Author: Chris Harlan
Fox Chapel’s Eli Yofan named 2021-22 Trib HSSN Boys Athlete of the Year
July 4, 2022
As Eli Yofan celebrated on the 18th green at Cedarbrook Golf Course last fall, a thought unrelated to golf came into his head. He’d just shot a 1-under par round, leading Fox Chapel to a WPIAL team title, but his mind was already on winter.
Armstrong quarterback Cadin Olsen commits to Ivy League school
July 1, 2022
Armstrong’s Cadin Olsen, a dual-threat quarterback and one of the WPIAL’s top passers, committed Friday to Penn.
2022 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: Aliquippa’s Cameron Lindsey
Editor’s note: The Tribune-Review and the TribLive High School Sports Network are profiling each member of the 25-player Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team. The players will be recognized July 15 during HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.
Beaver’s Payton List, Mt. Lebanon’s Deirdre Flaherty top all-state softball awards
June 30, 2022
Mt. Lebanon catcher Deirdre Flaherty and Beaver pitcher Payton List topped the list of players earning all-state honors Thursday from the Pennsylvania High School Softball Coaches Association.
2022 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher
June 29, 2022
Editor’s note: The Tribune-Review and the TribLive High School Sports Network are profiling each member of the 25-player Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team. The players will be recognized July 15 during HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.
2022 Trib HSSN Baseball Player of the Year: Bethel Park’s Evan Holewinski
June 27, 2022
2022 Trib HSSN Baseball Player of the Year
2022 TribLive HSSN Softball All-Stars
June 26, 2022
In WPIAL softball, there’s no requirement for underclassmen to wait their turn.
2022 TribLive HSSN Baseball All-Stars
This was a good year around the WPIAL for dominant pitchers and slick-fielding shortstops.
2022 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: North Allegheny’s Tyree Alualu
June 24, 2022
Editor’s note: The Tribune-Review and the TribLive High School Sports Network are profiling each member of the 25-player Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team. The players will be recognized July 15 during HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.
Evan Holewinski pitches 3-hitter, Bethel Park wins back-to-back PIAA titles
June 17, 2022
UNIVERSITY PARK — Rarely does a WPIAL baseball team have a chance to win consecutive state titles, so Bethel Park tried to remember and repeat everything that worked a year ago.
7th-inning rally lifts Montour baseball to 1st state championship
June 16, 2022
UNIVERSITY PARK — This was a scene Montour senior Ryan Gallagher and his teammates had thought about for years, one where they’re together at Penn State celebrating a state baseball championship on the infield grass.
WPIAL notebook: Class 4A boys basketball crowded with champions after realignment
June 13, 2022
Lincoln Park and North Catholic have met in the WPIAL boys basketball finals four times in the past six seasons, but they won’t wait that long to face one another again.
WPIAL approves new basketball sections without addressing public-private concerns
The WPIAL considered some radical ideas such as splitting public and private school basketball teams into separate sections, but ultimately decided that’s a debate for another day.
Thomas Jefferson’s Jordan Mayer commits to Wisconsin
About two months after restarting his recruiting process, Thomas Jefferson’s Jordan Mayer committed Sunday to Wisconsin.
Schalls share final memorable season with North Allegheny boys volleyball
June 11, 2022
Caleb Schall comes from a family where his parents and two uncles played college volleyball, his grandfather won state volleyball titles as a high school coach and his dad now leads powerhouse North Allegheny.
North Allegheny boys volleyball draws PIAA championship rematch with Central Dauphin
June 10, 2022
Some things seem to never change.
Bethel Park eliminates West Allegheny, keeps alive hopes for PIAA championship repeat
June 9, 2022
Bethel Park has seen this story before: The baseball team comes up short in the WPIAL playoffs only to bounce back stronger in the state tournament behind a talented pitcher recruited to Kent State.
Don’t blame ‘WPIAL hangover’ for this PIAA 1st-round loss, says Mt. Lebanon coach
June 6, 2022
The Mt. Lebanon baseball team was on the practice field for a rare early-morning, split-squad scrimmage Saturday, just a few days after winning the WPIAL title. The Blue Devils had six days to get ready for their state playoff opener and tried to use them to their fullest.
Neshannock tops Frazier in WPIAL championship clash of undefeated 2A teams
June 3, 2022
Whenever a Neshannock batter stepped into the Lilley Field batter’s box Friday, a peculiar shout sometimes came from the dugout: Smile.
WPIAL postpones Thursday softball championship games to Friday
June 2, 2022
The WPIAL took a look at the weather forecast and decided to postpone its three softball finals from Thursday to Friday.
West Allegheny outlasts Peters Township to win school’s 5th WPIAL championship
June 1, 2022
Not much has come easy this season for West Allegheny, a team that battled through injuries and plenty of inconvenience to reach Wild Things Park.
Mt. Lebanon squeezes past Upper St. Clair for 1st WPIAL title since 2006
May 31, 2022
Mt. Lebanon waited 16 years for this celebration, so another hour and a half didn’t matter.
New Castle’s Maria Owens turns triple jump frustration into PIAA long jump gold
May 29, 2022
SHIPPENSBURG — New Castle senior Maria Owens was upset with herself a day earlier after a 17th-place finish in the triple jump, disappointed largely by a foul on a big jump.
Moon’s Mia Cochran wins unprecedented ‘triple’ at PIAA championships, celebrates team title alone
May 28, 2022
Moon Area’s Mia Cochran admits the competitor in her likes a challenge, but she hasn’t found many on the track recently.
WPIAL runners sweep 3,200-meter races at PIAA championships
SHIPPENSBURG — Eden Christian’s Sean Aiken attempted the 3,200 meters for the first time a couple of months ago, and he really didn’t like running nearly two miles.
Deer Lakes’ Carson McCoy celebrates another come-from-behind win at PIAA championships
SHIPPENSBURG — Carson McCoy apologized after his latest come-from-behind victory, knowing he’d just ruthlessly dashed the hopes of the same opponent for the third time.
Shenango thrower Emma Callahan ties shot put record at PIAA championships
SHIPPENSBURG — The target distance on Shenango thrower Emma Callahan’s mind was 50 feet, 10¾ inches, which was the state championship record for girls shot put in Class 2A.
Moon’s Mia Cochran wins 1,600 meters, wants 2 more golds at busy PIAA championship
May 27, 2022
SHIPPENSBURG — After defending her state 1,600-meter title Friday morning, Moon’s Mia Cochran revealed the top item on her afternoon agenda.
Deer Lakes’ Carson McCoy defends 1,600-meter title at PIAA championships
SHIPPENSBURG — Carson McCoy maybe isn’t a front runner, yet the Deer Lakes senior usually crosses the finish line first.
As Emma Callahan chases shot put records, spotlight shines on Shenango’s success
May 26, 2022
From Emma Callahan’s view, she’d just set a WPIAL championship record, but the Shenango shot putter also knew it’s hard to see from the circle.
Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher commits to play football at West Virginia
May 25, 2022
Keeping his family close was important to Rodney Gallagher, so he did what countless other Western Pennsylvania football recruits have done and committed to his hometown team.
Bethel Park hires former WPIAL basketball star Dante Calabria as boys coach
Dante Calabria, a former WPIAL basketball star who won a national championship at North Carolina, was hired Tuesday as boys coach at Bethel Park.
No. 1 Mt. Lebanon breaks ‘curse’ with quarterfinal win over Seneca Valley
May 23, 2022
A seventh-inning curveball glanced off Mt. Lebanon catcher Paul Connolly’s mitt and rolled away, causing a moment of panic since there was a runner on third and a one-run lead.
Pine-Richland relay sprints to school record, WPIAL gold medal
May 22, 2022
Luke Rudolph insisted he’s not as fast as the relay runner he replaced, but the results say otherwise.
North Catholic sprinter Trevor Paschall’s season in question after WPIAL championship injury
May 19, 2022
North Catholic’s Trevor Paschall is usually sprinting around the WPIAL track championships faster than most anybody, but Wednesday he accepted help from a teammate just to walk.
Moon’s Mia Cochran adding to track legacy by winning 3 WPIAL individual titles
May 18, 2022
What more could Mia Cochran have to prove?
Life journey of North Allegheny runners Wren and Robin Kucler covers thousands of miles
As an 8-year-old, Wren Kucler told her mom she wanted to run around the house 100 times. That’s a lot of running for a little girl, but her mom Deanna saw no reason to discourage her, so she said, “Go ahead. Knock yourself out.”
South Fayette’s Tyler Pitzer dazzles Franklin Regional with 5-inning perfect game
This outing was perfect for South Fayette pitcher Tyler Pitzer in more ways than one.
WPIAL hires chief operating officer to ease workload of executive director
May 16, 2022
The role of the WPIAL executive director has changed over the years, with social media bringing more and more issues to the league’s attention, said outgoing director Amy Scheuneman.
WPIAL baseball playoff bracket breakdown
May 13, 2022
Favorite: Mt. Lebanon could win its first WPIAL baseball title since 2006. The Blue Devils started this season 1-4 before finding their stride in section play behind OF Tanner Donati (.435, 20 RBIs, 12 extra-base hits). They’ve won 10 of their past 12 games, including a 2-1 victory over North Allegheny. Seniors Derrick Shields and Jack Smith combined are 7-1 with 89 Ks in 61 innings. Shields is an IUP recruit and Smith is headed to Harvard.
WPIAL announces 2022 baseball playoff brackets
Montour hasn’t won a WPIAL baseball title in 50 years, but the Spartans will start this year’s playoffs as the favorites in Class 4A.
Defending champions Beaver, West Greene among No. 1 seeds in WPIAL softball playoffs
May 12, 2022
Two undefeated teams. Two more strong section champions. A defending WPIAL champion with only three losses.
WPIAL reveals brackets for boys, girls lacrosse playoffs
The defending champion Mars boys and Shady Side Academy girls were among the four teams that earned top seeds in the WPIAL lacrosse playoff brackets revealed Thursday.
Butler boys dominate field, win WPIAL Class 3A team track title
May 11, 2022
The Butler boys arrived at the WPIAL team championships with a mission: eliminate any suspense about who might be the winner.
Tim McConnell accepts Bishop Canevin job after resigning as Chartiers Valley coach
Tim McConnell had walked into Chartiers Valley’s gym countless times, but the longtime basketball coach felt somewhat sentimental when he entered Tuesday morning.
Quaker Valley’s Adou Thiero commits to play basketball at Kentucky
May 8, 2022
Quaker Valley senior Adou Thiero committed Sunday to play basketball for Kentucky and coach John Calipari, who also coached Thiero’s father at Memphis in the early 2000s.
WPIAL trio earns all-state honors in Class 6A boys basketball
The PIAA’s largest boys basketball classification is often dominated by Eastern Pennsylvania teams, but three WPIAL players made the all-state team for Class 6A.
WPIAL Hall of Fame inductee Burke blazed trail for women’s sports in Western Pennsylvania
May 7, 2022
The WPIAL has been around for more than 100 years, but the organization was exclusively for boys until Ruth Ann Burke and some like-minded colleagues insisted that must change.
TribHSSN baseball rankings for May 8, 2022
Class 6A
Trib HSSN WPIAL softball rankings: Week ending May 8, 2022
Class 6A
‘Fearless’ Connor Smith emerges as North Allegheny’s ace
Connor Smith likes to experiment with his pitch grips, so when his favorite MLB pitcher shared a splitter setup on a podcast, the North Allegheny right-hander had to give it a try.
Rain soaks Baldwin Invitational but doesn’t dim Quaker Valley hurdler’s sunny outlook
A cold rain drenched everyone at the Baldwin Invitational, but Quaker Valley hurdler Nora Johns was among those not too bothered by the wet weather.
WPIAL lands 3 players on Class 5A all-state boys basketball team
New Castle and Laurel Highlands combined for one of the most competitive WPIAL finals in recent memory, a matchup decided in double overtime by two last-second free throws.
Quaker Valley teammates, coach Mike Mastroianni earn all-state honors in Class 4A
May 6, 2022
Adou Thiero and Markus Frank formed a dynamic duo for Quaker Valley, which celebrated the most successful boys basketball season in school history this winter.
Steel Valley’s Makhai Valentine among 4 all-state selections from WPIAL Class 3A
May 5, 2022
Steel Valley junior Makhai Valentine, who ranked among the WPIAL’s top scorers this winter, earned first-team all-state honors Thursday when the Class 3A awards were announced.
OLSH’s Jake DiMichele, coach Mike Rodriguez earn top honors on Class 2A all-state team
May 4, 2022
Jake DiMichele went three years without a loss as Our Lady of the Sacred Heart won its second state title this winter and tied a state record with a 68-game winning streak in a historic season. DiMichele, a senior, finished his high school career as the second-leading scorer in WPIAL history with 2,642 points.
No shot clock for Pennsylvania high schools, says PIAA basketball committee
May 3, 2022
Time is running out for shot clock advocates.
WPIAL postpones team track semifinals to Wednesday
The WPIAL postponed its team track semifinals to Wednesday because of an unfavorable weather forecast Tuesday that included afternoon rain and possible thunderstorms.
Bishop Canevin teammates, coach Gino Palmosina earn Class A boys basketball all-state honors
Bishop Canevin celebrated the school’s first boys basketball state title this winter and the Crusaders were rewarded for that accomplishment again Tuesday.
All-state boys basketball teams to be announced this week starting with non-PIAA schools
May 2, 2022
The boys basketball all-state teams will be announced one classification per day this week starting with non-PIAA schools.
Trib HSSN WPIAL baseball rankings: Week ending May 1, 2022
Class 6A
North Allegheny, 5 other schools join Steelers-sponsored girls flag football league
There’s a new high school football league in Western Pennsylvania sponsored by the Pittsburgh Steelers and created entirely for girls.
21 WPIAL girls basketball players earn all-state honors, Neshannock’s Luann Grybowski named top coach
April 28, 2022
Twenty-one WPIAL girls basketball players earned all-state honors Thursday, and Neshannock’s Luann Grybowski was named Class 2A Coach of the Year after leading the Lancers to a state championship this winter.
Former South Fayette softball player Lauren Bernett dies
April 26, 2022
The James Madison softball program Tuesday was mourning the death of sophomore catcher Lauren Bernett, a South Fayette graduate who helped the Dukes reach the College World Series a year ago.
WPIAL hires board president Scott Seltzer as executive director
April 25, 2022
WPIAL board president Scott Seltzer will take over as executive director this summer, replacing outgoing director Amy Scheuneman as the league’s top administrator.
Pitt, Penn State, WVU among college finalists for Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher
April 24, 2022
Pitt, Penn State and West Virginia remain in the hunt for Laurel Highland’s Rodney Gallagher, the state’s top football recruit in the 2023 class.
TribHSSN WPIAL baseball rankings: Week ending April 24, 2022
Class 6A
Gino Palmosina resigns at Canevin weeks after winning PIAA boys basketball title
April 22, 2022
Boys basketball coach Gino Palmosina is a candidate for a job elsewhere, so he resigned Thursday from alma mater Bishop Canevin, where he won WPIAL and state titles this winter.
Simmering public vs. private dispute leads Bishop Canevin contingent to protest at Carlynton track meet
April 21, 2022
The always-contentious public vs. private debate usually sticks to high school football and basketball, but a track meet became the backdrop for an unprecedented student protest.
Delayed 2 years by pandemic, PIHL adds girls division for high school hockey
April 17, 2022
Morgan Black was the leading scorer on a national championship hockey team this winter, but she has never worn her high school’s logo on any jersey. That’s because for a girl to play high school hockey in Western Pennsylvania, she always had to play against the boys.
Trib HSSN baseball rankings for April 16, 2022
Class 6A
North Allegheny Athletic Hall of Fame class offers tribute to 50th anniversary of Title IX
State champion swimmer Jacquelyn Du and record-setting field hockey player Emily Humiston are among 11 individuals chosen for induction into the North Allegheny Athletic Hall of Fame this year.
WPIAL executive director Amy Scheuneman joining Pittsburgh Marathon organizer P3R
April 15, 2022
WPIAL executive director Amy Scheuneman is leaving her job as the district’s top administrator to join P3R, which organizes races in Western Pennsylvania, including the Pittsburgh Marathon.
Amy Scheuneman resigning as WPIAL executive director after spring sports championships
April 14, 2022
Amy Scheuneman’s tenure as WPIAL executive director is ending this spring after two years.
WPIAL athletic directors want basketball sections divided by ability not enrollment
What if basketball sections were determined by a team’s talent level rather than its school enrollment?
WPIAL notebook: Kiski Area doesn’t want to share section with Penn Hills
April 13, 2022
The racially charged dispute between Penn Hills and Kiski Area wasn’t resolved, so the WPIAL may keep those teams apart in future years.
WPIAL announces James Collins Scholar/Athlete Award winners
The WPIAL on Wednesday announced winners of the James Collins Scholar/Athlete Awards. This is the 31st year for the awards, which include a $1,000 scholarship for each recipient.
Mars hires former Pine-Richland football coach Eric Kasperowicz
April 12, 2022
Only four miles separate the football stadiums of Pine-Richland and Mars, but the journey that took Eric Kasperowicz from one to the other followed a winding road.
Football coach Eric Kasperowicz poised to make WPIAL return at Mars
April 11, 2022
Mars is prepared to hire football coach Eric Kasperowicz, bringing the two-time state champion coach back to the WPIAL a year after his ouster at Pine-Richland.
Trib HSSN baseball rankings for April 9, 2022
Class 6A
North Allegheny softball team confident after strong start to 2022 season
Morgan Vescovi was hired as North Allegheny’s softball coach in 2019, but counting seasons is always a tricky task because the pandemic erased 2020.
Trinity hires former Chartiers Valley football coach Dan Knause
April 8, 2022
After working five years to build up his alma mater’s football program, coach Dan Knause will take on a new project elsewhere.
Lacrosse officials demand pay increase in disruptive dispute with WPIAL schools
April 6, 2022
A number of Western Pennsylvania boys lacrosse officials are taking a timeout from working varsity games unless WPIAL schools give them a pay raise.
North Catholic hires former Pitt, Duquesne basketball assistant as athletic director
April 5, 2022
Bill Barton, a former assistant college basketball coach at Pitt and Duquesne, is returning to Western Pennsylvania as athletic director at North Catholic.
WPIAL lacrosse match rescheduled after officials decline to accept assignment
A simmering discontent by officials about pay and travel forced Trinity to reschedule a boys lacrosse game, but the WPIAL was optimistic the season won’t be disrupted by a widespread work stoppage.
Quaker Valley’s Adou Thiero named 2022 TribLive HSSN Boys Basketball Player of the Year
April 4, 2022
2022 TribLive HSSN Boys Basketball Player of the Year
2022 TribLive HSSN Boys Basketball All-Stars | Terrific 10
This was a history-making year for WPIAL boys basketball with Our Lady of the Sacred Heart leading the way.
2022 TribLive HSSN Girls Basketball All-Stars | Terrific 10
This season marked the end of an era for some WPIAL girls basketball programs or maybe just the beginning for others.
TribHSSN softball rankings for April 2, 2022
Class 6A
With big-time talent, North Allegheny baseball team sets big goals
At least a dozen pro scouts watched North Allegheny’s baseball scrimmage, an early indication the Tigers have an eventful season ahead.
Butler files lawsuit against PIAA in fight over District 10 football playoffs
March 31, 2022
The WPIAL has no grounds to ban the Butler football team from the District 10 playoffs, says a lawsuit the school district has filed against the PIAA.
Philadelphia basketball teams are here to stay in PIAA, says District 12 chairman
Philadelphia teams joined the PIAA basketball playoffs less than two decades ago, and District 12’s top administrator says his schools are here to stay, despite any wishful thinking by opponents.
PIAA to survey schools about adding basketball shot clock in 2024
March 30, 2022
Reset the clock.
PIAA basketball committee readies for shot clock discussion this week
March 29, 2022
Shot clock or no shot clock?
Philadelphia basketball teams are here to stay in PIAA, says District 12 chairman
March 28, 2022
Philadelphia teams joined the PIAA basketball playoffs less than two decades ago, but District 12’s top administrator says his schools are here to stay, despite any wishful thinking by opponents.
Chartiers Valley football coach Dan Knause resigns after 5 seasons for job elsewhere
Chartiers Valley football coach Dan Knause is a candidate for a job elsewhere, so he resigned Monday after five seasons with the Colts.
Public school criticism of state basketball playoffs ‘sour grapes,’ says PIAA director
Traditional public schools won only two of the 12 state basketball titles celebrated this weekend in Hershey, the fewest since the PIAA expanded the sport to six classifications in 2016.
Long scoreless stretch dashes Aliquippa’s hopes for state basketball title
March 26, 2022
HERSHEY — Aliquippa reached the state finals with four sophomores in the starting lineup, and that youth maybe showed itself at the worst time.
Freedom falls to Neumann-Goretti in 1st state championship appearance
HERSHEY – Freedom wanted to win a state title in its first trip to Hershey, but the championship trophy went home with a team that already owned four.
2022 PIAA Class 3A girls basketball championship breakdown: Freedom vs. Neumann-Goretti
PIAA Class 3A girls basketball final
2022 PIAA Class 3A boys basketball championship breakdown: Aliquippa vs. Devon Prep
PIAA Class 3A boys basketball final
Nationally ranked Imhotep Charter dashes New Castle’s hopes for state championship
March 25, 2022
HERSHEY — New Castle wanted to hold for the final shot of the first half, yet Imhotep Charter grabbed a rebound, hit a buzzer-beating 3 and ran to the locker room up 11.
OLSH wins historic PIAA title, ties state record with 68 straight wins
HERSHEY — “Historic” is now the perfect word to describe Our Lady of the Sacred Heart’s dominance.
2022 PIAA Class 5A boys basketball championship breakdown: New Castle vs. Imhotep Charter
PIAA Class 5A boys basketball final
2022 PIAA Class 2A boys basketball championship breakdown: OLSH vs. Constitution
PIAA Class 2A boys basketball final
Quaker Valley falls to Philadelphia power Neumann-Goretti in state finals
March 24, 2022
HERSHEY — Adou Thiero blocked three first-quarter shots, Quaker Valley scored 11 consecutive points and the Quakers held a slim lead over an eight-time state champion.
Balanced attack earns Bishop Canevin 1st PIAA boys basketball title
HERSHEY — This state championship celebration was years in the making for Bishop Canevin, with some waiting longer than others to see the Crusaders finally win one.
2022 PIAA Class 4A boys basketball championship breakdown: Quaker Valley vs. Neumann-Goretti
PIAA Class 4A boys basketball final
Potential NFL path draws Thomas Jefferson’s Jordan Mayer to Boston College
March 23, 2022
Jordan Mayer is very good at getting his arms around quarterbacks, but when the Thomas Jefferson junior committed to Boston College, he was the one wrapped up.
PIAA semifinal win gives Aliquippa chance for rare football-basketball championship double
March 19, 2022
Aliquippa is headed to Hershey for the second time in three months, chasing after a rare football-basketball double state championship.
Rumpler 2nd-place finish at states a boon for North Allegheny girls wrestling team
North Allegheny didn’t have a girls wresting team two years ago, yet the Tigers saw a girl finish second in the state this winter.
Mike Wells shakes off sore elbow, leads New Castle to 1st PIAA finals since ’14
March 18, 2022
Mike Wells’ elbow was still hurting him, but that didn’t hide his happiness as New Castle fans rained Hershey’s Kisses on the Red Hurricanes’ postgame celebration.
PIAA reveals sites, times for state basketball semifinals
March 17, 2022
Peters Township will host a PIAA semifinal Saturday between the Chartiers Valley and McKeesport girls, one of four all-WPIAL pairings in the final four of the state basketball tournament.
Aliquippa finds ‘happy balance,’ tops Avonworth for 3rd time in PIAA quarterfinals
March 16, 2022
After missing a few long jumpers in the first quarter, Aliquippa’s D.J. Walker understood why he was being called to the bench and the junior didn’t argue.
PIAA announces sites, times for Friday’s state basketball semifinals
The PIAA chose Norwin as host site for the rematch of New Castle and Gateway, one of two all-WPIAL pairings in the state basketball semifinals.
New Castle wins ‘fist fight’ over Penn Hills in low-scoring PIAA quarterfinal
How do you describe a game with more than a dozen blocks, more than two dozen turnovers, and the first team to score 40 points won?
Gateway stuns Laurel Highlands, earns 1st appearance in state basketball semifinals
March 15, 2022
There will be a WPIAL rematch in the state semifinals, but Laurel Highlands won’t be there.
WPIAL approves new section alignment for next 2 wrestling seasons
March 14, 2022
Say goodbye to the subsections.
WPIAL rejects Butler’s compromise, leaving football team ineligible for District 10 playoffs
The WPIAL rejected a compromise offered Monday by Butler’s administration that would’ve let the school’s football team play in the District 10 playoffs for the next two seasons.
‘Relentless’ Fox Chapel tops Allderdice in PIAA battle of district champions
March 12, 2022
With only one player taller than 6-foot-2, Fox Chapel maybe doesn’t look like a team built to outrebound many opponents.
PIAA announces sites, times for Tuesday’s basketball quarterfinals
The WPIAL is guaranteed to have a boys team in the Class 5A state championship with Laurel Highlands, New Castle, Gateway and Penn Hills all reaching the quarterfinals.
Unbeaten Laurel Highlands rallies past Highlands in OT, moves into quarterfinals
March 11, 2022
Laurel Highlands celebrated its 27th consecutive win Friday night, but this victory over Highlands followed a different script than the first 26.
PIAA girls basketball sites, times set for 2nd round playoff games
March 10, 2022
Section foes South Fayette and Moon will meet for the third time this season Saturday in a PIAA second-round playoff game at Peters Township.
PIAA announces playoff sites, times for boys basketball 2nd round
Peters Township will host a clash of champions Saturday when WPIAL champion Fox Chapel faces City League champion Allderdice in the PIAA boys basketball playoffs.
Allderdice advances in PIAA playoffs with overtime win against Central Catholic
March 9, 2022
Mike Quigley has a favorite rim in Allderdice’s gym, one that he’s found is a little softer than the other.
Penn Hills refuses to play Kiski Area sports teams this spring over alleged racial taunts
Penn Hills won’t play games against Kiski Area teams this spring because of racial taunts allegedly made by fans during a recent middle school volleyball game.
PIAA releases sites, times for Friday 2nd-round basketball playoff games
The PIAA released sites and times for second-round matchups in the state basketball playoff scheduled for Friday.
‘Special run’ might await Quaker Valley after PIAA 1st-round win over Hickory
March 8, 2022
The Hickory boys basketball team was in Hershey last winter, playing at Giant Center with a chance to win a state championship.
After incident in WPIAL semifinals, should postgame handshake lines continue?
March 7, 2022
Should handshake lines disappear from the WPIAL?
Sites, times revealed for 2022 PIAA girls basketball 1st-round playoff games
March 6, 2022
The PIAA on Sunday posted sites and times for first-round games in the state girls basketball playoffs. Here’s a list of games involving WPIAL and City League teams.
PIAA announces sites, times for 2022 boys basketball 1st-round playoff games
The PIAA on Sunday posted sites and times for first-round games in the state boys basketball playoffs. Here’s a list of games involving WPIAL and City League teams.
Fox Chapel stuns top-seeded North Hills to win 1st WPIAL title in 45 years
March 5, 2022
Eli Yofan celebrated with the WPIAL trophy in his hands Saturday night, but he also acknowledged the fingerprints his teammates left all over this championship win.
2022 WPIAL Class 6A boys basketball championship breakdown: North Hills vs. Fox Chapel
WPIAL Class 6A boys basketball
2022 WPIAL Class 2A boys basketball championship breakdown: OLSH vs. Fort Cherry
WPIAL Class 2A boys basketball
Rodney Gallagher’s free throws in final second of double OT lift Laurel Highlands past New Castle in WPIAL Class 5A final
March 4, 2022
Same arena. Same prize. There was a little less time on the clock when Rodney Gallagher walked to the foul line this year, but he made sure the outcome was also exactly the same.
2022 WPIAL Class 5A boys basketball championship breakdown: Laurel Highlands vs. New Castle
No. 1 Laurel Highlands vs. No. 2 New Castle
2022 WPIAL Class 3A boys basketball championship breakdown: Shady Side Academy vs. Avonworth
No. 3 Shady Side Academy vs. No. 8 Avonworth
Adou Thiero seals victory as Quaker Valley edges Montour for WPIAL Class 4A title
March 3, 2022
Adou Thiero endured the pain of a fractured thumb to avoid the hurt of another silver medal.
2022 Big School East-West roster includes nearly 2 dozen WPIAL, City League players
State champions from Aliquippa, Mt. Lebanon and Penn-Trafford were among nearly two dozen WPIAL and City League players announced Thursday as all-stars for the Big School East-West Game this spring.
11 WPIAL, City League football players picked for 2022 Small School East-West Game
The WPIAL’s leading rusher was among 11 WPIAL and City League players chosen Thursday for the Small School East-West Game this spring.
2022 WPIAL Class 4A boys basketball championship breakdown: Quaker Valley vs. Montour
No. 1 Quaker Valley vs. No. 2 Montour
What to watch in WPIAL finals: North Hills boys, 3 others seek 1st basketball title
North Hills senior Alex Smith and his older brother Nick have a strong sibling rivalry that carries over to the basketball court.
No. 1 North Hills reaches WPIAL finals with low-scoring win over Mt. Lebanon
March 1, 2022
Mt. Lebanon is notorious for consuming clock with long possessions, but when the Blue Devils did so Tuesday night, it was often because they found no easy route to the rim.
14 WPIAL players chosen for 2022 Big 33 Football Classic
Fourteen players from the WPIAL were selected Tuesday for the Big 33 Football Classic, including four from Mt. Lebanon’s state championship team and two from Penn-Trafford.
Defending champion New Castle reaches WPIAL finals for 8th time in 11 years
February 28, 2022
The road to the WPIAL championship winds through gyms all across Western Pennsylvania, but New Castle rarely gets lost along the way.
North Allegheny relies on balance in quest for 3rd straight Penguins Cup championship
February 27, 2022
As the hockey schedule reached late February, North Allegheny’s Connor Chi pushed his season-long scoring streak to 19 games. The senior recorded at least one goal or assist in every contest, cementing his spot as an elite scorer.
Quaker Valley’s Adou Thiero scores 25 in semifinal win despite fractured thumb
February 26, 2022
Adou Thiero wore tape on the knee he injured last winter and a wrap on the thumb he fractured earlier this week.
Freshman Rylee Kalocay’s late-game heroics take Upper St. Clair back to WPIAL finals
Upper St. Clair freshman Rylee Kalocay didn’t start Saturday’s semifinal, but she certainly finished it.
No. 1 North Hills celebrates 4th win over rival North Allegheny in WPIAL quarterfinals
February 25, 2022
As the saying goes, it’s tough to beat a basketball team three times in one season, but what about four? The sold-out crowd that packed into North Hills’ gym was there to find out.
Ellwood City basketball coach Steve Antuono suspended 2 games after chaotic playoff loss
Game officials imposed a two-game suspension on Ellwood City boys basketball coach Steve Antuono for unsportsmanlike actions during a chaotic ending to Thursday night’s playoff loss.
Gateway upsets No. 3 Mars, earns 1st WPIAL semifinal appearance since 2012
February 24, 2022
Gateway was only a couple of minute away from upsetting No. 3 seed Mars, but for the Gators, those final moments seemed to last forever.
Schools get some say as WPIAL releases football schedules for 2022, ’23 seasons
The WPIAL tried a new approach for scheduling nonconference football games this year by giving teams a say in who they play.
WPIAL schedules 3 basketball semifinals at Robert Morris’ UPMC Events Center
The WPIAL has scheduled three basketball semifinals at Robert Morris’ UPMC Events Center on Saturday starting with top-seeded Quaker Valley facing defending champion Lincoln Park in a Class 4A boys game at noon.
Confident and now healthy, star freshman Meleek Thomas leads Lincoln Park past North Catholic
Sharing the court with a couple of scorers bound for Division I colleges might make some freshmen timid. Not Lincoln Park’s Meleek Thomas, who waved for the basketball when the Leopards needed a fourth-quarter boost Wednesday night.
Butler plans legal action after PIAA upholds WPIAL ruling keeping football team out of District 10 playoffs
February 23, 2022
Butler intends to take legal action after the PIAA upheld a decision banning the football team from the District 10 playoffs, said the school’s athletic director.
PIAA football, soccer championships moving from Hershey to Cumberland Valley
Say goodbye to flying Hershey’s Kisses and giant chocolate bars. Pennsylvania high school athletes will have to find a new way to celebrate trips to the state championships.
Strong 1st quarter leads No. 8 North Allegheny past No. 9 Baldwin in WPIAL playoff opener
February 22, 2022
Tuesday marked the playoff opener for the North Allegheny boys, but the Tigers felt they’d already had a postseason mindset for a while now.
Steel Valley knocks out No. 4 Seton LaSalle with 1-2 punch in WPIAL playoff upset
February 21, 2022
Steel Valley’s Makhai Valentine wears No. 1 and teammate Cruce Brookins is No. 2, fitting for a combination that delivered a knockout punch Monday night.
WPIAL suspends former Greensburg Central Catholic assistant football coach for recruiting
The WPIAL has suspended a former Greensburg Central Catholic assistant football coach for violating PIAA rules against recruiting.
North Allegheny grad Ayden Owens lands at Arkansas with record-setting splash
February 19, 2022
Ayden Owens felt the sunshine of Southern California and the cold of Ann Arbor, Mich., in his first three years of college. Nowadays, you’ll find the former North Allegheny star breaking track and field records down south in Fayetteville, Ark.
Grandfather-grandson duo works together officiating WPIAL basketball games
February 17, 2022
When Matthew White was a little kid, he enjoyed going to high school basketball games and seeing the officials, because his grandfather was one of them.
WPIAL asks playoff basketball teams: ‘What have you done for me lately?’
February 15, 2022
The WPIAL basketball committee had a question for playoff teams: “What have you done for me lately?”
Breaking down the 2022 WPIAL boys basketball playoff brackets
February 14, 2022
Class 6A
Tough decisions prompt debate as WPIAL announces 2021-22 basketball playoff brackets
Laurel Highlands or New Castle? Mt. Lebanon or North Allegheny?
North Allegheny’s Cole Young projected as 1st-round pick in MLB Draft
February 13, 2022
Cole Young has a Twitter account, so the North Allegheny senior usually notices whenever someone publishes a new MLB mock draft or an updated list of high school baseball prospects.
WPIAL bracketology: Chris Harlan, Don Rebel forecast 2021-22 girls basketball pairings
The February Frenzy is about to heat up as WPIAL basketball teams hop on the Path to the Pete.
WPIAL bracketology: Chris Harlan, Don Rebel forecast 2021-22 boys basketball pairings
February 12, 2022
The February Frenzy is about to heat up as WPIAL basketball teams hop on the Path to the Pete.
Trib HSSN WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Feb. 13, 2022
Class 6A
Trib HSSN WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending Feb. 13, 2022
Class 6A
Fox Chapel survives Eli Yofan injury scare, clinches sole possession of section title
February 11, 2022
Fox Chapel’s Eli Yofan went from laying under the hoop in pain in the third quarter to swinging on the rim in celebration in the fourth.
WPIAL asks Greensburg Central Catholic to explain possible recruiting violations
February 10, 2022
The WPIAL is looking into possible recruiting violations by Greensburg Central Catholic.
North Allegheny wrestling coach Sunny Abe resigns prior to postseason tournaments
February 9, 2022
North Allegheny wrestling coach Sanshiro “Sunny” Abe, a former NCAA champion and Olympic wrestler, resigned with one meet left in the regular season and the individual tournaments still ahead.
New Castle’s Joe Cowart resigns after 10 seasons, sent 2 former players to NFL
Not many WPIAL football coaches have had two former players active in the NFL at the same time, but New Castle’s Joe Cowart did during his coaching tenure, which came to a close this winter.
Aliquippa ‘hitting stride,’ defeats Seton LaSalle for 1st-place tie in Section 2
A young basketball team can age considerably in the short span of 25 days.
Pine-Richland hires Penn Hills’ Jon LeDonne as football coach
February 7, 2022
As a parent with three kids in the district, Jon LeDonne already wore a number of hats around Pine-Richland. Scorekeeper for middle school basketball. Coach for a fourth-grade girls team. Scorers’ table duty at youth wrestling matches.
Mt. Lebanon’s Bob Palko named Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year
February 6, 2022
Mt. Lebanon football coach Bob Palko, who led the Blue Devils to their first state championship, was named the 2021 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year on Sunday.
With longtime coach out of retirement, North Allegheny swim teams out to achieve more excellence
Longtime North Allegheny swimming coach Corky Semler didn’t hesitate when athletic director Bob Bozzuto asked if he was interested in coming out of retirement this winter.
Trib HSSN boys basketball rankings for Feb. 5, 2022
Class 6A
Butler finds ‘desperation mode,’ boosts playoffs hopes by defeating Pine-Richland
One team in Butler’s brutal section may be left home when the playoffs start, which has the Golden Tornado convinced it can’t lose another game.
WPIAL delays release of football schedules over ‘unique situation’ with Aliquippa
February 3, 2022
The WPIAL decided not to release new football schedules this week because of a “unique situation” facing one of its schools.
Western Pa.’s Top 10 football prospects for the Class of 2023
Some of the nation’s top college football recruiters will visit Western Pennsylvania often in the coming months, because the WPIAL and City League have an uncommitted four-star Rivals recruit in the 2023 class.
WPIAL disciplines South Side, Steel Valley football after hearing on racial allegations
February 2, 2022
The South Side and Steel Valley football teams must complete educational training organized by the WPIAL to “further develop cultural competency” after their playoff game in November ended with accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct and racial slurs.
Shady Side Academy tops No. 4 South Allegheny to narrow section title race
Shady Side Academy used quickness and aggression to build a 10-point, fourth-quarter lead Tuesday night, a favorable position where many teams might then slow the tempo.
Clairton’s Tyler Boyd extends Super Bowl streak for Big 33 Football Classic
January 31, 2022
Thanks to former Clairton star Tyler Boyd, the Big 33 Football Classic’s Super Bowl streak lives on.
TribHSSN girls basketball rankings for Jan. 29, 2022
Class 6A
Greensburg Central Catholic boys hold off Winchester Thurston, take over 1st place
January 28, 2022
Greensburg Central Catholic and Winchester Thurston were scheduled to meet three weeks ago, but that boys basketball game was postponed, so the teams could only study one another from a distance.
Aliquippa plans to build new football stadium, receives $250,000 from NFL
Aliquippa’s aging football stadium will be torn down and rebuilt this year with a little help from the NFL.
Hampton hiring new football coach as Jacque DeMatteo ends 14-year stint
January 27, 2022
For the first time in 14 years, Hampton soon will have a new football coach.
Aliquippa wins PIAA appeal, remains in Class 4A football
January 26, 2022
Add another win to Aliquippa’s record.
Moon’s Mia Cochran repeats as Pa. Gatorade girls cross country award winner
January 25, 2022
Moon’s Mia Cochran has defended yet another cross country title.
With heavy hearts, OLSH ties WPIAL record for longest winning streak
As Our Lady of the Sacred Heart made WPIAL history Monday night, the boys basketball team wasn’t focused on what it was playing for, but rather who.
Mt. Lebanon’s Alex Tecza commits to Navy football, joining Blue Devils teammate
January 24, 2022
Mt. Lebanon’s Alex Tecza has played football with teammate Eli Heidenreich for as long as he can remember. As it turns out, high school graduation won’t break their bond.
TribHSSN girls basketball rankings for Jan. 22, 2022
Class 6A
North Allegheny AD Bozzuto sees future Class 6A football alignment with larger field
North Allegheny athletic director Bob Bozzuto has a forward-thinking mindset when it comes to football conference realignment. The ink barely has dried on WPIAL plans for the next two seasons, but he’s ready to start thinking about 2024 and ’25.
Markus Frank’s knack around basket leads unbeaten Quaker Valley past Lincoln Park
Quaker Valley’s Markus Frank has a knack for scoring around the rim from angles that seem almost impossible, yet he makes them with ease.
Former football coach Eric Kasperowicz drops lawsuit against Pine-Richland, hopes to reclaim job
January 21, 2022
Former Pine-Richland football coach Eric Kasperowicz is dropping his defamation lawsuit against the school district and its administrators in hopes of reclaiming his coaching job.
Laurel girls basketball coach resigns midseason, says ‘hand was forced’
January 20, 2022
The Laurel girls basketball team is trying to reach the WPIAL playoffs for the fifth year in a row, but the Spartans must do so without their head coach.
Imani Christian hires LaRoi Johnson as football coach
Football coach LaRoi Johnson is returning to his roots.
WPIAL notebook: Golf adds 36-hole format for individual championships
To win a WPIAL golf title next season, players must make the cut and play two good rounds.
WPIAL announces 2022 Hall of Fame class
January 19, 2022
Bob Kalp won more than 400 games as Hempfield’s softball coach, and Chuck Tursky celebrated his 500th career win as Kiski Area’s wrestling coach.
WPIAL board blocks Butler from District 10 football playoffs
The WPIAL two years ago gave Butler permission to play football in District 10 as an “associate member,” but there now is a dispute about whether the Golden Tornado can qualify for that district’s playoffs.
WPIAL reveals updated conference alignments for 2022, 2023 seasons
January 18, 2022
The WPIAL took a multiple-choice approach when it drew up new conferences for the 2022 and ‘23 football seasons.
3 options WPIAL could take with Class 6A football realignment
Tuesday should be a big day for WPIAL football players, coaches and fans.
Trib HSSN WPIAL Girls Basketball Rankings: Week ending Jan. 16, 2022
January 15, 2022
Class 6A
Trib HSSN WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 16, 2022
Class 6A
North Allegheny’s Mia Tuman named Pa. Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year
Whenever the North Allegheny girls volleyball team wins a title, the Tigers have a knack for winning it again and again.
LA Pratt’s game-winner lifts Lincoln Park to 2-point win over Montour
January 14, 2022
Lincoln Park saw a 15-point lead vanish Friday night, but that was all forgotten once senior LA Pratt made a clutch runner with five seconds left to lift the Leopards to a 51-49 victory over Montour in a battle of ranked teams.
Ellwood City hires ‘proven winner’ Dan Bradley to fix struggling football program
Ellwood City hired former OLSH football coach Dan Bradley on Thursday to fix a distressed program that hasn’t won a game in three seasons.
PIAA denies Aliquippa appeal asking to avoid promotion to Class 5A football
January 13, 2022
The PIAA on Thursday denied an initial appeal from Aliquippa, which wants to avoid a pending promotion to Class 5A football next season.
MLK Day basketball showcase moves to Central Pa., still includes 5 WPIAL teams
The MLK Day basketball showcase that recently called Woodland Hills home has shifted about 150 miles east, but this weekend’s event still has some WPIAL teams taking part.
2 WPIAL coaches picked as assistants for Big 33 Football Classic
January 12, 2022
WPIAL football coaches Matt Humbert of Belle Vernon and T.J. Plack of Peters Township will serve as Team Pennsylvania assistants for the Big 33 Football Classic in May.
Daemar Kelly helps Penn Hills ‘learn how to win’ in section victory over Gateway
January 11, 2022
As the final seconds ticked away, coach Chris Giles and the players on the Penn Hills bench all were shouting the exact same words.
Mars school board set to open job of football coach Scott Heinauer
January 10, 2022
Mars appears ready to open the job of longtime football coach Scott Heinauer to applicants.
TribHSSN boys basketball rankings for Jan. 9, 2022
Class 6A
Pitt the ‘best of both worlds’ for North Allegheny’s Timmerson
Jasmine Timmerson noticed her cell phone is a little quieter nowadays without so many calls or texts from college coaches.
North Hills clamps down on defense, stops North Allegheny in clash of 6A contenders
January 7, 2022
Alex Smith knew that if North Allegheny shooter Matt McDonough didn’t cool down, he and his North Hills teammates were in trouble.
Woodland Hills football among WPIAL teams voluntarily playing in higher classification
Football coach Tim Bostard knew folks might be a little surprised to see the PIAA list Woodland Hills as a Class 3A team after years of playing two classifications higher.
Dan Bradley resigns as OLSH football coach after reaching WPIAL finals
January 6, 2022
Weeks after leading Our Lady of the Sacred Heart to the WPIAL finals, Dan Bradley resigned as Chargers football coach after six seasons.
Greg Perry resigns as Keystone Oaks football coach citing pay for assistants
January 5, 2022
Greg Perry resigned as football coach at his alma mater Keystone Oaks, citing a union contract decision that reduced money available for his assistant coaches.
PIAA realignment leaves WPIAL Class 6A football, basketball with fewer teams
January 4, 2022
The WPIAL’s largest classification officially is getting smaller next season in football and basketball.
PIAA competitive-balance rule impacts Aliquippa football unfairly, says Beaver County NAACP
The Beaver County branch of the NAACP added its voice to those opposing a PIAA rule that could force the small-school Aliquippa football team to face even larger opponents in Class 5A next season.
Central Valley’s Sean FitzSimmons named Trib HSSN Football Player of the Year
January 2, 2022
Central Valley faced a fourth-and-1 at its own 18-yard line with less than 5 minutes left in the state championship. The Warriors held a 7-0 lead, so nobody would’ve criticized coach Mark Lyons if he’d decided to punt and play defense.
Trib HSSN WPIAL boys basketball rankings for Week of Jan. 2, 2022
January 1, 2022
Class 6A
TribHSSN WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 2, 2022
Class 6A
2021 Trib 25 Football Team: WPIAL, state champions highlight HSSN all-stars
December 31, 2021
This was a historic football season for the WPIAL, which had four teams celebrate state titles in Hershey.
Mt. Lebanon tops Class 6A all-state football team as Bob Palko, Alex Tecza win individual awards
December 29, 2021
Mt. Lebanon won its first state title behind a veteran coach, a dynamic offensive trio and toughness at the line of scrimmage.
10 WPIAL players earn all-state in 5A, Penn-Trafford’s John Ruane named top coach
After winning its first WPIAL and PIAA football titles, Penn-Trafford has more reason to celebrate.
WPIAL lands 14 on 4A all-state team; Aliquippa’s Tiqwai Hayes, Mike Warfield earn top honors
If Tiqwai Hayes’ next three seasons are anything like his first, the Aliquippa freshman has an exciting future ahead.
PIAA champion Central Valley places 7 players on Class 3A all-state team, plus coach of the year
December 28, 2021
Central Valley’s 27th straight victory was a 7-0 win over Wyomissing in the PIAA Class 3A football championship game earlier this month. The Warriors’ run of success was certainly recognized by a group of Pennsylvania sportswriters.
Serra Catholic’s Jose Regus honored as Class 2A Coach of the Year in all-state football voting
A rare neurological disorder confined Serra Catholic coach Jose Regus to a wheelchair at times this season, yet Regus remained on the sideline and led the Eagles to a WPIAL football title and a state runner-up finish.
6 WPIAL players recognized on Class A all-state football team
Six WPIAL Class A football players earned all-state honors Tuesday, including Bishop Canevin wide receiver Lesae Lacks, whose team-high 50 catches helped the Crusaders win the district title.
Trib HSSN WPIAL boys basketball rankings for Week of Dec. 26, 2021
December 25, 2021
Class 6A
Trib HSSN girls basketball rankings: Week ending Dec. 26, 2021
Class 6A
Steve Campos resigns after 1 season as Pine-Richland football coach
December 22, 2021
The Pine-Richland football coaching job is open for the second time in six months.
WPIAL Class 6A football to shrink again as Baldwin, Hempfield, Norwin drop
December 21, 2021
The WPIAL’s largest football classification just keeps getting smaller.
Sewickley Academy draws WPIAL discipline for promotional video highlighting athletics
December 20, 2021
In an attempt to boost middle-school enrollment, Sewickley Academy inadvertently ran afoul of PIAA recruiting rules with a multi-part video highlighting the school’s academics, arts and athletics.
Trib HSSN WPIAL girls basketball rankings for Week of Dec. 19, 2021
December 18, 2021
Class 6A
Trib HSSN WPIAL boys basketball rankings for Week of Dec. 19, 2021
Class 6A
Girls wrestling moving closer and closer to PIAA-sanctioned status
When coach Dan Heckert started a girls wrestling program a year ago at North Allegheny, he hoped someday the sport might become sanctioned by the PIAA and have teams at schools across the WPIAL.
Matt McDonough plays superhero on clutch 3-pointer as North Allegheny tops Pine-Richland in OT
Matt McDonough had a ticket to see the new Spider-Man movie, but his own heroics almost made him late.
Early signing day: Notre Dame, Pitt, Kentucky among Power 5 schools to land WPIAL, City League recruits
December 15, 2021
The excitement of signing day used to be limited to February, but that changed five years ago when the NCAA added an early signing period for Division I football.
Big Seven: Cornell, Rochester lead all-conference team, share top player awards
December 14, 2021
The Big Seven was competitive this fall, with every team winning at least two conference games.
Eastern: Leechburg, Clairton earn top individual awards on all-conference team
Leechburg quarterback Thomas Burke finished fifth among all WPIAL passers this season, earning the senior Offensive Player of the Year honors in the Eastern Conference.
Tri-County South: Top rushers Landan Stevenson, Colin Brady lead all-conference selections
Mapletown’s Landan Stevenson and West Greene’s Colin Brady play for small schools but they put up big numbers.
Allegheny: Steel Valley’s Nijhay Burt leads all-conference team as 2-way standout
Steel Valley’s Nijhay Burt rushed for more than 2,000 yards and scored 35 touchdowns, but Allegheny Conference coaches recognized the senior wasn’t only an offensive star.
LaRoi Johnson resigns as Sto-Rox football coach, athletic director
December 13, 2021
Football coach LaRoi Johnson, who led Sto-Rox to the WPIAL finals twice in his four seasons, said he resigned Monday as coach and athletic director.
Aliquippa has ‘no legitimate complaint’ about competitive-balance rule, says PIAA executive director
December 12, 2021
HERSHEY — The state’s competitive-balance rule is working as originally intended, despite Aliquippa football’s strong objections to playing bigger schools, says the PIAA’s top administrator.
Mt. Lebanon dethrones St. Joseph’s Prep to win 1st state championship
December 11, 2021
HERSHEY – There’s a new champion in PIAA Class 6A football, which surely surprises much of the state.
PIAA Class 6A football championship breakdown: Mt. Lebanon vs. St. Joseph’s Prep
PIAA Class 6A football championship
PIAA Class 3A football championship breakdown: Central Valley vs. Wyomissing
PIAA Class 3A football championship
Mt. Lebanon facing daunting challenge in state’s premier big-school program St. Joseph’s Prep
December 10, 2021
Nobody was too surprised to see St. Joseph’s Prep in Hershey. Mt. Lebanon coach Bob Palko certainly wasn’t.
Southern Columbia routs Serra Catholic, rolls to 5th consecutive PIAA title
HERSHEY — Serra Catholic punched and pulled at the football all afternoon, but the Eagles couldn’t wrestle the state championship from Southern Columbia’s steely grip.
Aliquippa beats odds, wins PIAA Class 4A championship
December 9, 2021
HERSHEY — Aliquippa has a Class A enrollment, yet the small-school Quips were crowned Thursday night as the best 4A football team in the state.
PIAA Class 2A football championship breakdown: Serra Catholic vs. Southern Columbia
PIAA Class 2A football championship
PIAA Class 5A football championship breakdown: Penn-Trafford vs. Imhotep Charter
PIAA Class 5A football championship
PIAA Class 4A football championship breakdown: Aliquippa vs. Bishop McDevitt
PIAA Class 4A championship
Aliquippa’s slimmed-down 300-pounders face heavy workload in state finals
December 8, 2021
At 6-foot-4 and 345 pounds, Aliquippa’s Naquan Crowder fits in nicely on one of the heaviest offensive lines in the state, but a commitment made by the team’s linemen to improve their fitness has him feeling lighter on his feet.
PIAA delays release of updated enrollment numbers to fix vo-tech issue
The PIAA delayed the release of its updated enrollment numbers for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 sports seasons until January after discovering some school districts used inconsistent methods for counting their vo-tech students.
WPIAL schedules hearing to address racial allegations against South Side football team
The WPIAL has scheduled a hearing Dec. 21 to address racial allegations stemming from a football playoff game last month between South Side and Steel Valley.
Midwestern: Laurel’s Luke McCoy, Beaver Falls’ Mekhi Clark top all-conference team
December 6, 2021
Laurel running back Luke McCoy, who ranked among the WPIAL rushing leaders this season, was honored three times by Midwestern coaches in all-conference voting.
Century: 9 Washington players named all-conference, Davoun Fuse voted MVP
Washington’s Davoun Fuse proved himself to be a dual-threat quarterback by passing for 11 touchdowns and running for 14 more, results that earned the junior MVP honors in the Class 2A Century Conference.
Three Rivers: Sto-Rox leads conference honors with 9 players on 1st team
Sto-Rox outscored Three Rivers opponents 201-12 this season, a dominance that saw quarterback Josh Jenkins and running back Jaymar Pearson named Offensive co-MVPs in the Class 2A conference.
Mt. Lebanon coach Bob Palko returns to PIAA football finals with heavy heart
December 5, 2021
The mood at Mansion Park Stadium was jubilant as Mt. Lebanon’s football team won a state semifinal for the first time in school history, yet amid the celebration coach Bob Palko held back tears.
North Allegheny takes on new look with DeGregorio back at the helm
Blue tape forms Xs, boxes and lines on North Allegheny’s basketball court, visual guides put down by boys coach Dave DeGregorio to teach a new offense.
Mt. Lebanon trounces State College, earns 1st trip to Hershey for state football finals
December 4, 2021
ALTOONA — Mt. Lebanon already proved itself as the best team in the WPIAL. Last week they added the title of best team in all of Western Pennsylvania.
Aliquippa scores 27 consecutive points in PIAA semifinal victory over Jersey Shore
December 3, 2021
EBENSBURG — Six minutes saved Aliquippa’s state title hopes.
5 things to watch: How many WPIAL teams will reach PIAA football finals?
Could the WPIAL send five or six teams to Hershey?
Only 14, freshman Tiqwai Hayes shoulders leading role in Aliquippa’s playoff run
When he’s avoiding tacklers and scoring touchdowns at a place like Heinz Field, it’s easy to forget Tiqwai Hayes is only 14 years old.
Central Catholic’s Donovan Hinish stays committed to Notre Dame as coach Brian Kelly exits
December 2, 2021
Central Catholic senior Donovan Hinish had just eaten dinner with a Notre Dame assistant shortly before he heard Fighting Irish coach Brian Kelly was leaving for LSU.
Northwestern Six: Central Valley tops all-conference picks with 13 spots on 1st team
Central Valley earned 13 first-team spots on the Northwestern Six all-conference team with Sean FitzSimmons, Jack Bible and Jayvin Thompson honored on both sides of the football.
Allegheny Seven: North Catholic wins 4 individual awards in all-conference voting
North Catholic’s Kyle Tipinski, Tyler Primrose and Andrew Stephens, who led the Trojans to the WPIAL finals, all earned individual player awards in all-conference voting for the Allegheny Seven.
Interstate: Elizabeth Forward’s Brownfield, Southmoreland’s Govern top all-conference team
December 1, 2021
Elizabeth Forward’s defense allowed only 28 points combined in six conference games, a dominance that led Interstate coaches to name senior DaVontay Brownfield as the conference’s top defensive player.
Big Eight: Belle Vernon’s Devin Whitlock, McKeesport’s Bobbie Boyd lead all-conference team
Thomas Jefferson was dethroned from its familiar spot atop the Big Eight this season, and two of the players most responsible received individual honors in all-conference voting.
Greater Allegheny: Hampton rewarded for conference title with 9 spots on 1st team
Hampton celebrated its first conference title since 2014, an achievement recognized in all-conference voting.
Parkway: Aliquippa leads all-conference voting with 14 players on 1st team
November 30, 2021
Aliquippa outscored Parkway opponents 237-40 this fall, a regular-season dominance that was reflected in voting for the all-conference team.
Big East: Penn-Trafford lands 12 players, coach on all-conference football team
A dozen Penn-Trafford football players earned first-team all-conference honors from a Warriors team that went unbeaten in the Big East and won a WPIAL title Saturday.
Northeast: Dugger brothers among 7 Penn Hills players named all-conference
Penn Hills brothers Julian and Jaden Dugger, a dynamic quarterback-receiver combination for the Indians, each earned first-team all-conference honors in the Class 5A Northeast.
Allegheny Six: Moon’s senior class well represented on all-conference team
Moon’s deep and talented senior class, which led the Tigers to the WPIAL finals for the first time since 1998, was well represented on the Allegheny 6 all-conference team.
Class 6A: Mt. Lebanon leads WPIAL all-conference honors with 9 players, coach
Mt. Lebanon won its first WPIAL title in 21 years, and the undefeated Blue Devils were recognized for their season-long success with nine first-team spots on the all-conference team for Class 6A.
Aliquippa celebrates ‘incredible, shameful’ victory over Belle Vernon in WPIAL Class 4A final
November 27, 2021
Small-school Aliquippa might be short on students, but nobody has more WPIAL football titles than the Quips.
Central Valley seeks 3rd straight WPIAL title, unbeaten North Catholic could spoil plans
When Central Valley takes the field Saturday, this will be the third WPIAL championship appearance in a row for some of the team’s starters.
Serra Catholic forces 9 turnovers, wins for coach in WPIAL Class 2A finals
November 26, 2021
Serra Catholic coach Jose Regus wore a hat at Heinz Field that said “battle,” a brand name of sportswear, but also one word that captures both his determination to coach and his defense’s relentlessness to win.
WPIAL Class 3A football championship breakdown: Central Valley vs. North Catholic
WPIAL Class 3A football championship
Mt. Lebanon’s latest title gives youngest Harvey brother equal bragging rights at Thanksgiving dinner
November 23, 2021
Thanksgiving means family, food and football in the Harvey household, and as the youngest of eight kids, William Harvey grew up hearing stories from the time his oldest brother won a WPIAL title.
PIAA releases sites, times for state football quarterfinal round
November 22, 2021
PIAA football playoffs
5 things we learned: Some WPIAL finalists wait decades for championship chance
Welcome to Heinz Field.
If forced to Class 5A, Aliquippa might consider leaving WPIAL football for independent schedule
November 21, 2021
Forcing the Aliquippa football team to play schools two, three or four times its size isn’t safe or fair, regardless of whether the Quips are winning those games, says the school district’s top administrator.
Alex Tecza’s 4 TDs help lift Mt. Lebanon to 1st WPIAL football title in 21 years
November 20, 2021
Central Catholic had about six weeks to devise a new strategy for stopping Alex Tecza, Eli Heidenreich and Joey Daniels, yet the three seniors and their Mt. Lebanon teammates proved undeniable.
WPIAL 6A football championship breakdown: Mt. Lebanon vs. Central Catholic
WPIAL Class 6A football championship
North Allegheny’s Mlecko steps into PIAA cross country history books as 4-time team champion
There was a time when Maura Mlecko was the freshman on North Allegheny’s cross country team, running at the state championship meet in Hershey for the first time. But like runners on that course, four years can go by fast.
Mt. Lebanon seeks 1st WPIAL title in decades vs. Central Catholic team familiar with finals
On one sideline will be Mt. Lebanon, the undefeated No. 1 seed in the WPIAL playoffs that is making its first championship appearance since 2000.
Moon headed to 1st WPIAL final since 1998 after topping Penn Hills in semis
November 19, 2021
Heinz Field hadn’t been built the last time Moon made the WPIAL football finals, but the Tigers are headed there now.
Seeking 1st WPIAL finals trip since 1998, No. 1 Moon faces Penn Hills in semifinals
A sign hanging inside Moon’s football stadium chronicles the milestone years in team history. One look at that board reminds the current Tigers that their team hasn’t reached the WPIAL finals in more than two decades.
North Allegheny swimming brings back retired coach to replace Patrick Wenzel
November 18, 2021
Citing personal reasons, title-winning North Allegheny swimming coach Patrick Wenzel resigned this fall after leading the WPIAL’s top program for eight years.
WPIAL Sportsmanship Summit to be live streamed Wednesday on TribLive HSSN
November 17, 2021
Athletes from dozens of Western Pennsylvania high schools will gather Wednesday morning at the Heinz History Center for the annual WPIAL Sportsmanship Summit, which will be streamed live on TribLive HSSN.
North Allegheny tops Shaler, earns 5th consecutive trip to state volleyball finals
North Allegheny will try for No. 5.
Hampton girls volleyball rallies past Freeport, reaches PIAA Class 3A final for 1st time
November 16, 2021
Two sets away from a trip to the state volleyball finals, perhaps the Freeport girls showed their age for the first time all season.
WPIAL investigates allegations of ‘racial bigotry, unsportsmanlike play’ by South Side football team
November 15, 2021
The WPIAL is investigating accusations of “racial bigotry and unsportsmanlike play” levied against the South Side football team.
Fox Chapel to host semifinal doubleheader in PIAA girls volleyball tournament
November 14, 2021
Fox Chapel will host a semifinal doubleheader Tuesday night in the girls volleyball state tournament.
PIAA announces sites, times for state soccer semifinals
The WPIAL will have at least seven soccer teams in the state finals, and the league could have a finalist in all eight championship games. The PIAA on Sunday announced sites and times for the state semifinals with seven all-WPIAL matchups among them.
5 things we learned: Big Seven keeps WPIAL Class A unpredictable
The WPIAL’s smallest classification was also its most unpredictable this fall, but Our Lady of the Sacred Heart coach Dan Bradley says he isn’t surprised by who is still standing.
Kiski Area lineman Brandon Lawhorn Moore commits to Miami (Ohio)
November 13, 2021
Kiski Area’s Brandon Lawhorn Moore, one of the WPIAL’s top offensive line recruits, committed Saturday to Miami (Ohio).
WPIAL announces sites for football semifinals
The WPIAL on Saturday revealed host sites for next weekend’s 10 football semifinals.
Thomas Jefferson returns to WPIAL semifinals with dominant win over Hampton
November 12, 2021
Hampton’s offense had posted extraordinary rushing numbers all season, but Thomas Jefferson knows a little about running the football, too.
5 things to watch: Class 6A football teams 1 win away from WPIAL finals
No player on Mt. Lebanon’s football roster was yet born the last time the Blue Devils reached the WPIAL finals.
Hampton hopes to make noise vs. defending WPIAL champ Thomas Jefferson
November 11, 2021
The sound of a train horn punctuates Hampton home games, thanks to an ardent Talbots fan at a nearby home.
Coaches announce 2021 WPIAL field hockey all-stars
November 10, 2021
Days after winning WPIAL titles, the Pine-Richland, Penn-Trafford and Shady Side Academy field hockey teams had another reason to celebrate Wednesday. Combined, the three WPIAL champions had 15 players honored as WPIAL all-stars.
3 WPIAL field hockey champions to host PIAA openers Tuesday
November 7, 2021
No Western Pennsylvania field hockey team has reached the PIAA finals in the sport’s 47-year history, but three WPIAL squads will try as they start their state tournament quest Tuesday.
Sites, times announced for PIAA girls volleyball tournament
The North Allegheny girls volleyball team will begin its quest for a fifth consecutive state title at home Tuesday.
PIAA announces sites, times for state soccer playoff openers
The PIAA revealed sites and times for first-round matchups in the state soccer playoffs and all eight WPIAL champions have home games.
5 things we learned: Home-field advantage didn’t guarantee wins in WPIAL 1st round
November 6, 2021
There are high school football stadiums in Western Pennsylvania where visiting teams rarely win. New Brighton walked into one of those daunting places Friday night and confidently won.
Freshmen runners help North Allegheny boys, girls again sweep WPIAL titles
The starting line at a cross country championship can be a stressful scene for first-timers, yet North Allegheny’s freshmen clearly weren’t fazed.
Long passes let No. 11 Peters Township upset North Hills in WPIAL playoffs
In many ways, Peters Township quarterback Sam Miller epitomizes his football team.
5 things to watch: First-round byes create new twist for WPIAL football playoffs
November 5, 2021
Byes, byes, byes.
North Hills, Peters Township hope to out-perform their seeds in ‘wide open’ 5A
November 4, 2021
The No. 11 is listed next to Peters Township’s name on the WPIAL football brackets, but the Indians sure don’t feel like a double-digit seed.
WPIAL football likely down to 7 teams in 6A as PIAA releases 2022-23 parameters
November 2, 2021
The WPIAL’s largest football classification — 6A — is likely getting smaller again.
WPIAL reveals football playoff brackets, surprises with No. 1 seed in 2A
In the span of a year, Steel Valley went from a one-win season to the No. 1 seed in the WPIAL football playoffs.
Unsung line coach has helped North Allegheny win battles in trenches for 3 decades
Who decided that the running backs and wide receivers are called skill-position players? North Allegheny line coach Mike Buchert strongly disagrees.
2021 WPIAL bracketology: Don Rebel, Chris Harlan predict football playoffs
For the second year in a row, football coaches won’t crowd into a Green Tree ballroom to see the WPIAL playoff brackets announced. Instead, the brackets will be revealed in a video livestream at 6 p.m. Saturday on TribLive HSSN.
Nijhay Burt carries No. 5 Steel Valley past Serra Catholic to clinch Allegheny Conference title
October 29, 2021
WPIAL rushing leader Nijhay Burt was averaging 2 yards a carry on his first 10 tries Friday night, yet nobody this season has frustrated the Steel Valley star for an entire game.
5 things to watch in Week 9: Winner-takes-all matchups in 2 WPIAL conferences
Serra Catholic hasn’t celebrated a conference title since 2007, and the 14 seasons since included some lean years for the Eagles. The team went winless in 2012 and endured one-win seasons in 2013 and ’14.
5 things we learned in Week 8: Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher delivers again in must-win game
October 24, 2021
Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher has delivered many times before in must-win situations, but those often had him holding a basketball in his hands.
Brownsville leaving WPIAL football for independent schedule
Leaving WPIAL football was an idea Brownsville athletic director Scott Roebuck once was adamantly against, but now he agrees that drastic move is the best chance to save the program.
Rare defeat helped North Allegheny girls volleyball players refocus
The winning streak had stood at 57 section victories when the North Allegheny girls volleyball team saw its unbeaten run stunningly end this season.
No. 1 Moon shuts out Bethel Park, clinches Allegheny Six title
October 22, 2021
Moon has a fondness for physical football, clock-consuming drives and 225-pound running backs.
5 things to watch in Week 8: Home field at stake for WPIAL 1st round and quarterfinals
There’s no place like home, especially in the playoffs.
Winless a year ago, Bethel Park challenges Moon for conference title in Allegheny Six
A year after going winless, the Bethel Park football players have a chance this week to call themselves champions of the Allegheny Six.
Allderdice wins rematch with Brashear, returns to City League championship
October 21, 2021
Using Jaerone Parker as a wildcat quarterback was a new wrinkle Allderdice added to its game plan this week while preparing to face Brashear for the second time in eight days.
4 WPIAL coaches earn statewide honor from PIAA
October 20, 2021
Four WPIAL coaches earned state coach of the year honors from the PIAA for the 2020-21 school year.
WPIAL says Plum football used ineligible player, must forfeit game
October 18, 2021
The Plum football team used an ineligible player in some games this season, the WPIAL decided Monday, meaning the Mustangs must forfeit those contests.
Gateway hopes for strong finish after season full of growing pains
October 17, 2021
Gateway football players receive a video scouting report every Sunday from coach Don Holl that starts with an update on the state of the season.
Five things we learned in Week 7: City League star, state’s top junior sidelined for season
October 16, 2021
One of Pennsylvania’s top football players may miss the rest of his junior season with a knee injury.
Trib HSSN high school football rankings: Oct. 16, 2021
Class 6A
Dylan Sleva drives dominant 4th quarter as No. 1 Moon outlasts Upper St. Clair
October 15, 2021
There wasn’t much surprise whenever Dylan Sleva got the football in the fourth quarter, yet Moon kept feeding their 225-pound battering ram.
5 things to watch in Week 7: North Catholic leads WPIAL defenses chasing zeroes
Zero has become North Catholic’s favorite number.
Upper St. Clair revamps offense mid-season, readies ‘wildcat’ for No. 1 Moon
October 14, 2021
An old football adage says if you’re playing two quarterbacks, you actually have none.
PIAA eases preseason practice requirements for most sports, not football
October 13, 2021
The PIAA says it’s OK to skip practice.
Kentucky coach John Calipari visits Imani Christian to see 6-10 freshman phenom
October 12, 2021
Imani Christian is a small school in East Hills, yet Saints basketball coach Khayree Wilson welcomed one of college basketball’s biggest names Tuesday.
WPIAL launches league-wide food drive with competitive twist
October 11, 2021
The WPIAL launched a league-wide food drive Monday that runs until Oct. 23 and since sports teams are involved, it comes with a competitive twist. Participating schools will compete against one another to donate the most meals.
5 things we learned in Week 6 of H.S. football: ‘You can’t control the weather’
October 10, 2021
After rushing for 167 yards and two touchdowns on Friday, Mt. Lebanon running back Alex Tecza didn’t sleep well that night.
Mt. Lebanon shows ‘toughness’ in lightning-delayed win over No. 1 Central Catholic
Mt. Lebanon quarterback Joey Daniels dislocated a finger on his left hand Friday night while catching a trick-play touchdown, but he was back behind center Saturday morning to finish the lightning-delayed game.
Defending PIHL champion North Allegheny plans to enjoy the ride
The lake wasn’t frozen, so the North Allegheny hockey team traded its sticks for oars and competed in the Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival at North Park.
Lightning postpones Central Catholic vs. Mt. Lebanon football game to Saturday
October 8, 2021
When Central Catholic visited Mt. Lebanon on Friday night, the game was supposed to be electric, not the weather.
WPIAL recognizes 5 schools with Sportsmanship Award
Six-time winner Hampton was among five schools named Friday as recipients of the WPIAL Sportsmanship Award, joining Derry, Laurel, Moon and Upper St. Clair.
North Hills’ Robert Dickerson commits to Bucknell for both football, baseball
College football coaches want Robert Dickerson as a slot receiver, but the North Hills senior knew he didn’t want to put away his baseball glove and bat for good.
5 things to watch in Week 6: De facto conference champions to be crowned?
October 7, 2021
No, it’s not over ‘til it’s over.
Central Catholic, Mt. Lebanon battle for 1st place in WPIAL Class 6A
Unlike last week, there won’t be any motivational banner hanging over Mt. Lebanon’s locker room entrance.
5 things we learned in Week 5 of H.S. football: Clairton’s 66-game streak is safe
October 2, 2021
The Wyomissing football team might have a thank you gift headed its way with a Clairton postmark on the package. Suddenly, the Bears are huge fans of the high school near Reading.
Trib HSSN high school football rankings: Oct. 3, 2021
Class 6A
North Allegheny girls soccer gets defensive in WPIAL title defense
As two-time reigning WPIAL champions, the girls on North Allegheny’s soccer team are trying to defend their title again this fall, with an added emphasis on the word “defend.”
Devin Whitlock shines but sophomore shares spotlight as Belle Vernon tops Laurel Highlands
October 1, 2021
If this matchup was meant to decide the most-dangerous playmaker in the Big Eight, Devin Whitlock certainly made his case.
5 things to watch in high school football’s Week 5
September 30, 2021
Greensburg Salem, Laurel Highlands and Steel Valley lead a collection of WPIAL football teams enjoying a revival this fall.
WPIAL director joins Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank coalition
September 27, 2021
WPIAL executive director Amy Scheuneman, who is leading a league-wide food drive this fall, was named Monday to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s Sports and Media Coalition.
5 things we learned in Week 4 of H.S. football: 16 teams remain unbeaten at midway point
September 26, 2021
Laurel football coach Brian Cooper has the Spartans off to a 5-0 start, likely for the first time since 1977, but the Spartans aren’t slowing down to celebrate.
North Allegheny girls golfers chasing individual, team success
Many of the golfers on North Allegheny’s girls team already have their own swing instructors, so first-year coach Sarah Morrison tries not to tinker much with their mechanics.
Central Catholic tops North Allegheny in rematch of WPIAL Class 6A championship
September 24, 2021
Central Catholic has a new-look offense with ties to an NFL coach, but the Vikings haven’t abandoned what made them two-time defending WPIAL champions.
Central Catholic, North Allegheny meet in rematch of WPIAL Class 6A championship
North Allegheny maybe isn’t the trendy pick in WPIAL championship talk, but the next few weeks could change that discussion.
5 things to watch in WPIAL football Week 4: Covid cancellations not always ‘no-contest’
September 23, 2021
The WPIAL’s message is clear: Not every covid-related cancellation will be excused as no-contest.
Carlynton football cancellation leads to Serra Catholic vs. Freeport matchup Friday
September 22, 2021
Carlynton canceled its nonconference football game scheduled for Friday against Serra Catholic because of covid-19 cases, but Serra needed little time to find new opponent.
After near-death experience, Bishop Canevin senior writing comeback story on football field
In a helmet and shoulder pads, Eli Wilson looks just like thousands of other high school football players across Western Pennsylvania. But the Bishop Canevin senior has a remarkable life story that started tragically before turning triumphant.
WPIAL sets covid-19 cancellation policy, won’t require vaccinations for officials
September 20, 2021
A regular-season contest canceled because of covid-19 can be declared a “no-contest” rather than a forfeit, but first the WPIAL intends to make sure teams aren’t bending the rules to avoid an opponent.
No longer Penn State-bound, Perry’s Tyreese Fearbry chooses Kentucky
September 19, 2021
Six weeks after decommiting from Penn State, Perry senior Tyreese Fearbry has a new plan for college.
Chartiers Valley cornerback Lamont Payne commits to Penn State
Chartiers Valley junior defensive back Lamont Payne committed to Penn State on Saturday while on campus to watch the Nittany Lions’ win over Auburn.
5 things we learned in Week 3 of H.S. football: Bishop Canevin joins Class A conversation
September 18, 2021
Rebuilding a football program traditionally takes playbooks and practice, but Bishop Canevin coach Rich Johnson added tree pruners and paint brushes to his list.
Trib HSSN high school football rankings: Sept. 19, 2021
Class 6A
Strong freshman class adds to lineup for defending PIAA champion North Allegheny cross country teams
When your boys and girls teams are both defending WPIAL and PIAA cross country champions, what do you do this fall for an encore?
Sto-Rox’s big-play defense steals momentum, finds end zone in win over Avonworth
Jaymar Pearson had already shed his Sto-Rox jersey in the minutes after Friday night’s win, but Avonworth’s coach recognized him even without a No. 7 on his back.
After 11 shutout quarters, Sto-Rox defense draws big test from Avonworth
September 17, 2021
The point totals on Sto-Rox’s side of the scoreboard are often eye-catching, but the numbers next to their opponent have been noteworthy as well this fall.
5 things to watch in WPIAL football Week 3: Coaches like nonconference tune-ups
September 16, 2021
The sprint to the WPIAL playoffs starts now.
PIAA worried teams using covid-19 issues to avoid unfavorable opponents
September 15, 2021
The PIAA is worried teams may be using covid-19 issues as a way to avoid an unfavorable opponent, so the board on Wednesday debated at length a policy that would’ve made regular season cancellations forfeits.
PIAA board approves vaccine mandate for officials, doesn’t foresee shortage
The PIAA does not expect its covid-19 vaccination mandate to cause a shortage of game officials since the new policy applies only to inter-district state tournament games.
PIAA requires covid-19 vaccination for all officials working state playoffs
September 14, 2021
The PIAA will require its game officials in all sports to be fully vaccinated against covid-19 to work any state postseason contests this fall.
Nearly forced to move with NFL free agent father, Tyree Alualu excelling as North Allegheny linebacker
September 12, 2021
North Allegheny linebacker Tyree Alualu is already making an impact as a first-year starter in the middle of the Tigers defense, but the sophomore standout nearly spent this fall playing football for another high school, likely in Florida.
5 things we learned in Week 2 of H.S. football
September 11, 2021
Time inevitably erases memories from blowout games with lopsided scores, regardless of whether you’re on the winning or losing side.
Trib HSSN high school football rankings: Sept. 12, 2021
Class 6A
Central Valley’s Landon Alexander gets birthday wish, defeats rival Aliquippa
Landon Alexander wished for a win on his 18th birthday.
Aliquippa, Central Valley anticipate electric atmosphere as rivalry renews
September 10, 2021
The cement stands may be weathered, the grass field might be bumpy and the vintage light towers have rust, but few WPIAL football venues can match the atmosphere of a big crowd at historic Aschman Stadium in Aliquippa.
5 things to watch in WPIAL football Week 2: Handmade schedule a hit
September 9, 2021
Man or machine?
Basketball standout Debaba Tshiebwe eligible after transfer to Central Catholic, WPIAL decides
September 8, 2021
Central Catholic transfer Debaba Tshiebwe, a basketball standout who arrived this summer from a private school in Ohio, is fully eligible for the regular season and playoffs this winter.
Ellwood City, OLSH cancel Week 2 football games
September 7, 2021
Ellwood City and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart each canceled their scheduled football games this week because of covid-related issues.
What we learned in Week 1 of H.S. football
More than two dozen WPIAL football teams are off to 2-0 starts, but the most exciting could belong to Shaler Area.
Underclassmen to play key roles for North Allegheny boys soccer
With few returning starters and a roster heavy in sophomores, North Allegheny coach Bobby Vosmaer told his boys soccer team to be ready.
Senior quarterback steps up, leads Thomas Jefferson past Gateway in battle of top-ranked teams
September 3, 2021
Quarterback was considered a big question mark for Thomas Jefferson, so coach Bill Cherpak intended to give a couple of players snaps there.
5 things to watch in WPIAL football Week 1: Teams roll with covid cancellations
September 2, 2021
If high school football teams were hoping covid shutdowns were left behind in 2020, this week shows they’re not gone yet.
Westinghouse football game canceled because of covid case
Friday’s scheduled football game between Westinghouse and Kirtland (Ohio) will not be played because of a covid case within the City League school’s program.
Central Valley, Blackhawk left without Week 1 games after opponents cancel
September 1, 2021
In a dilemma reminiscent of last fall, Central Valley has started searching for a new opponent for Friday night’s football game.
Bishop Sycamore under scrutiny after facing Sto-Rox, IMG Academy on same weekend
August 30, 2021
Sto-Rox and Bishop Sycamore both wore black uniforms for their football game Friday at the Wolvarena, but the matching outfits weren’t the most unusual part of the weekend for the online school from Columbus, Ohio.
5 things we learned in Week Zero of H.S. football
Rather than a double-double, two-sport star Rodney Gallagher recorded a double-triple.
Big-play defense leads Sto-Rox past Bishop Sycamore at Wolvarena
Sto-Rox’s high-scoring offense will have big nights this season, there’s little doubt about that.
Philly power Imhotep Charter wears down Central Catholic with oversized offensive line
Two tight ends, a huge offensive line and a gritty running back gaining chucks of yardage at a time. This certainly was the style of offense Central Catholic usually would relish.
Central Catholic draws Philadelphia power Imhotep Charter in cross-state Week Zero clash
August 27, 2021
Finding a willing Week Zero opponent nearby isn’t always easy for Central Catholic, the two-time defending WPIAL Class 6A champion.
2021 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the new coaches
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the biggest coaching moves for the 2021 season.
2021 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the kickers
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the top kickers and punters for the 2021 season.
5 things to watch in WPIAL football Week Zero: On opening night, teams have options
August 26, 2021
“Week Zero” is back.
WPIAL football teams welcome return to traditional ‘Friday night lights’ atmosphere
In any other year, there might have been huge crowds at Sarge Alberts Stadium to witness one of the most dominant seasons in WPIAL football history.
2021 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the safeties
August 25, 2021
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the top safeties for the 2021 season.
2021 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the cornerbacks
August 24, 2021
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the top cornerbacks for the 2021 season.
2021 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the linebackers
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the top linebackers for the 2021 season.
2021 WPIAL Class 5A football breakdown: Pine-Richland saga headlines offseason of change
The defending champion has a new coach. The preseason favorite has a new quarterback. The runner-up from last season has a whole lot of new faces.
WPIAL football finals to be played over 2 days at Heinz Field
August 23, 2021
For the first time, the WPIAL football championships will be a two-day event at Heinz Field this fall.
Aliquippa keeps punching above its weight … and winning
Because Aliquippa reached the WPIAL Class 4A finals last fall, coach Mike Warfield worries that achievement will overshadow one harsh reality.
2021 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the defensive line
August 22, 2021
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the top defensive linemen for the 2021 season.
2021 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the offensive line
August 21, 2021
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the top offensive linemen for the 2021 season.
2021 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the tight ends
August 20, 2021
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the top tight ends for the 2021 season.
2021 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the wide receivers
August 19, 2021
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the top wide receivers for the 2021 season.
After offseason upheaval, Pine-Richland has something to prove
Pine-Richland is a defending WPIAL and PIAA champion, but the Rams aren’t focused on last year. At this point, that undefeated season seems long ago.
2021 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the running backs
August 18, 2021
Starting this week, TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the top running backs for the 2021 season.
Gateway gladly wears bull’s-eye in WPIAL Class 5A
On paper, Gateway certainly has the look of a WPIAL contender.
2021 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the quarterbacks
August 17, 2021
Starting today, TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the top quarterbacks for the 2021 season.
Like rivals, Upper St. Clair turns to new nucleus
Upper St. Clair’s conference was among the WPIAL’s deepest in recent years with senior-heavy rosters full of experience becoming the norm in the South Hills.
Peters Township seniors hungry for bigger roles
When Peters Township snaps the football on opening night, returning center Anthony Brunette will be the lineman over the ball.
After state championship blockbuster, Central Valley working on encore
August 14, 2021
The big question facing Central Valley this fall is: How do you top last season?
U.S.-Canada border policy impacts Week Zero schedule for Upper St. Clair, Greensburg Central Catholic
August 13, 2021
In any other year, facing an international opponent would bring some excitement to Week Zero of football season.
Culture change takes root under Bob Palko at Mt. Lebanon
Editor’s note: Starting today, Trib HSSN will preview at least one WPIAL conference per day until the start of high school football season Aug. 27.
North Allegheny flying under Class 6A radar
Editor’s note: Starting today, Trib HSSN will preview at least one WPIAL conference per day until the start of high school football season Aug. 27.
Chartiers Valley’s Marian Turnbull commits to Northeastern
August 10, 2021
The record-setting Chartiers Valley girls team now has five rising seniors all committed to play basketball in college with three headed to Division I schools.
Mike Tomlin refutes report saying Steelers receiver James Washington wants traded
August 7, 2021
Despite a report saying James Washington was unhappy with his role and wanted to be traded, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he hasn’t heard those words from the fourth-year receiver.
North Allegheny AD Bozzuto pitches regular season baseball tournaments in PIAA board debut
High school baseball players can play dozens and dozens of AAU games each summer, at times more than one per day and often multiple days in a row.
Rick Meister, championship-winning softball coach at North Allegheny, dies
Former North Allegheny softball coach Rick Meister, who led the Tigers to both WPIAL and PIAA gold, has died. He was 73.
Mt. Lebanon’s Eli Heidenreich follows family tradition, commits to Navy
August 6, 2021
Eli Heidenreich’s college choice involved more than deciding where he’d spend the next four or five years of his life. The Mt. Lebanon senior, whose grandfather and uncle both served in the Navy, followed a similar path and committed this week to play football for the Naval Academy.
WPIAL requests eligibility hearings for New Castle, Bishop Canevin transfers
August 4, 2021
The WPIAL will schedule an eligibility hearing for New Castle transfer DaJaun Young, a double-digit scorer for Kennedy Catholic’s boys basketball team last winter.
North Allegheny catcher Aaron Posey commits to Division I Kennesaw State
July 31, 2021
As a catcher named Posey who wears No. 28, North Allegheny’s Aaron Posey sometimes jokes that he’s related to a National League MVP.
With camps, college visits back, TribLive HSSN Preseason All-Stars are busy this summer
July 22, 2021
As Josh Jenkins walked into Kennywood Park, passing the merry-go-round and the Sky Rocket, the Sto-Rox quarterback marveled at just how much life has improved in a year.
WPIAL adds board of directors seat exclusively for private schools
July 19, 2021
Private schools in the WPIAL soon will have their own seat on the board.
WPIAL football championships will return to Heinz Field this fall — maybe over 2 days
The WPIAL football championships are returning to Heinz Field this fall, maybe for a two-day affair Thanksgiving weekend at the North Shore stadium.
State champion wrestler, City League great Godwin Nyama Cutler dies at 27
July 18, 2021
Former state wrestling champion Godwin Nyama Cutler, an all-time City League great who won the league its first PIAA title less than a decade ago, has died. He was 27.
Miller, Meister headline North Allegheny Hall of Fame class
July 16, 2021
Championship-winning coaches Heidi Miller and Rick Meister were among 18 inductees chosen to enter the North Allegheny Hall of Fame this year.
PIAA makes change to state basketball tournament, anticipates ‘normal’ fall
July 14, 2021
The state basketball tournament will start a little earlier this winter under a schedule change that makes cross-state travel easier for the semifinals and finals.
Trib HSSN boys athlete of the year: Pine-Richland’s Cole Spencer wins titles in 2 sports
July 12, 2021
Early in the winter, Pine-Richland’s Cole Spencer called his future college wrestling coach with some bad news. He’d injured his left shoulder and would eventually need surgery to repair a torn labrum.
A year like no other: The top stories of the 2020-21 school year in WPIAL sports
July 10, 2021
8.21.20
Record-setting quarterback Johnny DiNapoli leaving East Allegheny
July 9, 2021
Johnny DiNapoli, who set a WPIAL passing record two years ago, has transferred this summer from East Allegheny to Elizabeth Forward.
Seton LaSalle baseball standout, coach’s son Brett Wagner transferring to IMG Academy
July 8, 2021
Seton LaSalle baseball coach Mike Wagner is losing his favorite player to IMG Academy in Florida, but he’s 100% on board with the kid’s decision.
North Allegheny’s Cole Young picked for all-star baseball game at Coors Field
North Allegheny shortstop Cole Young, who could be a future MLB Draft pick, is headed to the site of this year’s baseball all-star game.
Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: Sean FitzSimmons
July 4, 2021
The Tribune-Review and the TribLive High School Sports Network are profiling each member of the 25-player Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team. The players will be recognized July 22 during HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.
Trib HSSN Head of the Class: Baseball Player and Coach of the Year for each classification
July 3, 2021
Whether their school had students in the classroom or virtually this spring, there is a special seat up front reserved for these standout performers and coaches in the return to the baseball field.
Kathy McConnell-Miller leaves Trinity bench for college basketball job
July 2, 2021
Kathy McConnell-Miller is returning to the college coaching ranks after two seasons with the Trinity girls basketball team.
Central Valley’s Mark Lyons nominated for NFL high school coach of the year
Central Valley’s Mark Lyons was among 32 nominees announced Thursday for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year award.
2021 Trib HSSN Baseball Player of the Year: Eric Chalus, Bethel Park
2021 HSSN Baseball Player of the Year
Week Zero football showcase returns to Wolvarena in August
July 1, 2021
Week Zero is back on the football schedule this fall, and with it returns the Western Pa. vs. Everyone football showcase hosted by Woodland Hills.
Butler basketball’s Devin Carney commits to Elon
One of college basketball’s stingiest defenses added some scoring power Thursday when Butler’s Devin Carney committed to Elon.
TribHSSN Preseason WPIAL Football All-Star team: Patrick Body, Gateway
June 28, 2021
The Tribune-Review and the TribLive High School Sports Network are profiling each member of the 25-player Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team. The players will be recognized July 22 during HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.
Moon lineman Trent Fraley commits to Marshall
June 27, 2021
Moon’s Trent Fraley, the son of a former NFL lineman, announced his commitment Sunday to Marshall.
WPIAL, PIAA champions among 2021 TribLive HSSN Baseball All-Stars
Among the six teams crowned WPIAL baseball champions this spring, their individual stories varied greatly.
TribHSSN Preseason WPIAL Football All-Star team: Brad Birch, Gateway
The Tribune-Review and the TribLive High School Sports Network are profiling each member of the 25-player Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team. The players will be recognized July 22 during HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.
TribHSSN Preseason WPIAL Football All-Star team: Landon Alexander, Central Valley
June 26, 2021
The Tribune-Review and the TribLive High School Sports Network are profiling each member of the 25-player Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team. The players will be recognized July 22 during HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.
North Allegheny baseball appreciates contribution of seniors, looks to bright future
June 25, 2021
North Allegheny’s Cole Young shared hugs and handshakes with teammates near the first base dugout at Penn State’s baseball field, season-ending thank yous to the seniors whose high school careers were ending there.
La Salle College starter shuts down North Allegheny in Class 6A finals
June 18, 2021
Sometimes, it’s not a pitcher’s fastball velocity that makes him unhittable. La Salle College starter Ryan Marler proved that true Friday night.
Shenango’s rally falls 1 run short in PIAA Class 2A championship
UNIVERSITY PARK – At 67, Shenango coach Larry Kelly was four years younger than his state championship counterpart in the other dugout Friday.
Facing 1-year suspension, Seton LaSalle football coach Mauro Monz resigns
June 17, 2021
Suspended football coach Mauro Monz, facing a one-year ban from the WPIAL over recruiting allegations, said he’s resigning at Seton LaSalle rather than continue to appeal.
Clutch pitching carries Bethel Park past star-studded Red Land to PIAA baseball title
UNIVERSITY PARK — Red Land has a future MLB first-rounder batting leadoff and some ex-Little League World Series stars behind him. So, Bethel Park staked its title hopes on an old adage that good pitching beats good hitting.
Slow start dooms Eden Christian baseball in 1st PIAA finals appearance
UNIVERSITY PARK — As a first-time state finalist, Eden Christian will remember Thursday’s game for years to come, even if they’d like to forget the first two innings.
Future 1st-round MLB Draft pick awaits Bethel Park in PIAA final vs. Red Land
June 16, 2021
At around 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Bethel Park pitcher Eric Chalus will take the mound for the PIAA Class 5A championship at Penn State’s Medlar Field and face Red Land’s leadoff hitter.
Seneca Valley adds former Pine-Richland football assistants Lehmeier, Sasson
Assistant football coaches Tim Sasson and Ryan Lehmeier were left searching for new jobs when their time together at Pine-Richland abruptly ended. So, they offered themselves as a packaged deal to any school needing an offensive line coach and an offensive coordinator.
Butler tight end Charlie Kreinbucher commits to Akron
June 15, 2021
The Butler football program has struggled in recent years, but the Golden Tornado has a Division I talent in rising senior Charlie Kreinbucher.
WPIAL upholds suspensions of Seton LaSalle football coaches
June 14, 2021
The WPIAL heard additional evidence about Seton LaSalle’s suspended football coaches during a lengthy hearing Monday but ultimately reached the same decision.
Anthony Miller’s 12 Ks lead New Castle to 1st appearance in state baseball finals
Maybe the big-game atmosphere had Anthony Miller feeling ready, seeing hundreds of New Castle fans filter into Neshannock’s baseball field. Maybe it was the fact his Red Hurricanes were one win away from the state finals.
Where is Eden Christian? Baseball team puts school on map with PIAA playoff run
June 13, 2021
In his 15 years as a teacher, administrator and now baseball coach at the school, Steve Good is often asked: Where is Eden Christian?
PIAA reveals sites, times for state baseball semifinals
June 11, 2021
The WPIAL is guaranteed to have at least two teams in the state baseball finals and could have as many as five.
Semifinal sites, times announced for PIAA softball playoffs
The PIAA softball semifinals will feature a pair of WPIAL championship rematches Monday at Mars.
Montour shuts out Cathedral Prep, earns semifinal rematch against New Castle
June 10, 2021
Before Montour pitcher Dylan Mathiesen took the mound for the 12th time this season, his coaches wondered if the right-hander might be tiring a little. His previous outing came in the WPIAL finals, and Mathiesen’s stuff that day maybe wasn’t his sharpest.
On the clock: PIAA will discuss basketball shot clock in months ahead
June 9, 2021
Will Pennsylvania high school basketball have a shot clock in 2022?
Penn State will allow full capacity for PIAA baseball, softball championships
Penn State will allow full capacity at its baseball and softball stadiums for the upcoming PIAA championships, alleviating worries the softball finals might need to be moved.
WPIAL approves 3 Seton LaSalle transfers, Jackson Pons’ return to Norwin
June 8, 2021
Mauro Monz’s status as Seton LaSalle coach remains in doubt, but the WPIAL ruled his son eligible to play football for the Rebels this fall.
Softball playoff sites, times set for PIAA quarterfinals
Norwin will host an all-WPIAL doubleheader Thursday in the state softball quarterfinals.
PIAA reveals quarterfinal sites, times for state baseball playoffs
PIAA baseball quarterfinalists learned Tuesday where they’re playing next.
Serra Catholic naming court after longtime girls basketball coach Bill Cleary
June 4, 2021
Serra Catholic is naming its basketball court after longtime girls coach Bill Cleary, the school announced Friday.
Central Catholic defensive tackle Donovan Hinish commits to Notre Dame
Notre Dame bought billboard space around Pittsburgh this spring, touting the many Western Pennsylvania football players who’ve joined the Fighting Irish in recent years.
Sites, times announced for PIAA 1st-round softball playoff games
The six WPIAL softball champions will start their state tournament runs at Norwin, Peterswood Park or North Allegheny next week.
PIAA reveals 1st-round sites, times for state baseball playoffs
The PIAA on Friday released sites and times for next week’s first-round games in the state baseball playoffs.
New Pine-Richland football coach predicts ‘smooth transition’ after meeting players
There were some sleepless nights this week for Steve Campos as Pine-Richland was about to make him the school’s new football coach. But after meeting with the players for the first time Thursday afternoon, Campos predicted he’d sleep soundly later that night.
Woodland Hills athletic director Ron Coursey leaving WPIAL for Chambersburg job
June 3, 2021
Woodland Hills athletic director Ron Coursey has always wanted to chat with the PIAA leadership about its transfer rule. He’ll soon be working almost in their backyard, once he becomes athletic director at Chambersburg, so maybe he’ll knock on their door.
New Castle’s Rocco Bernadina mows down Montour in WPIAL Class 4A championship
June 2, 2021
New Castle owns the most boys basketball titles in WPIAL history, and the football team ranks third on the league’s all-time championships list.
PIAA rules Gateway QB Brad Birch eligible, returns Seton LaSalle appeal to WPIAL
The PIAA overturned one WPIAL decision and told the WPIAL board to reconsider another.
North Allegheny ace shuts down Hempfield, leads Tigers to record 8th WPIAL title
June 1, 2021
Hempfield got an early look at right-hander Kyle Demi a few weekends ago, but that sneak peek at the North Allegheny ace didn’t help much Tuesday night.
Seneca Valley assistant could be Pine-Richland’s next coach, source says
Steve Campos, an assistant football coach at Seneca Valley, is expected to be the recommended candidate to fill the vacant head coach job at Pine-Richland, according to a source.
South Fayette’s Amy Allen claims 4 PIAA medals, wins gold with 400-meter relay
May 29, 2021
SHIPPENSBURG — When Amy Allen qualified for states as a sophomore, she ran one event and went home.
Plum’s Parker medals in shot put at PIAA championships
SHIPPENSBURG — Plum thrower Logan Parker returned Saturday to Seth Grove Stadium and felt right at home.
West Mifflin’s Dontae Lewis celebrates 300 hurdles title on future college track
SHIPPENSBURG — While his competitors endured the cold rain and wind inside Seth Grove Stadium, West Mifflin hurdler Dontae Lewis found a way to escape.
Beaver’s Emma Pavelek earns PIAA high jump silver wearing borrowed shoes
SHIPPENSBURG — Emma Pavelek didn’t walk a mile in someone else’s shoes but she did high jump in someone else’s sneakers.
Quaker Valley’s Nora Johns wins state gold in 1st year running 300 hurdles
SHIPPENSBURG — Nora Johns ran the 300 hurdles for the first time this spring, and the Quaker Valley sophomore can remember the thoughts running through her head at the time.
Gallon thrives in cleanup role for North Allegheny
Batting cleanup comes with added responsibility in any baseball lineup, but there’s a little extra burden for North Allegheny’s No. 4 hitter.
North Catholic sprinter Trevor Paschall wins 1st PIAA gold in 200, silver in 400
SHIPPENSBURG — Trevor Paschall’s state championship meet wasn’t going quite how he’d imagined.
Waynesburg’s Taylor Shriver clears 13 feet, wins long-awaited PIAA pole vault title
SHIPPENSBURG — Waynesburg pole vaulter Taylor Shriver needed three tries to clear her first bar at the state championships, an 11-foot jump that’s normally routine for the senior.
Thoughts of hospitalized teammate carry Aliquippa relay team to 5th-place finish
May 28, 2021
SHIPPENSBURG — He should have been here, said the four sprinters on Aliquippa’s relay team, whose thoughts were with their fifth teammate, hospitalized in Pittsburgh.
Shady Side Academy’s Melissa Riggins joins elite list with 6 PIAA gold medals
SHIPPENSBURG — Matching the speed she showed circling the track, the public address announcer at Seth Grove Stadium declared Melissa Riggins a three-time state champion in the 1,600 meters as soon as she crossed the finish line.
Patience pays off in PIAA gold for Deer Lakes runner Carson McCoy
SHIPPENSBURG — In hindsight, Carson McCoy decided he probably made his move too early at the WPIAL championship, ultimately finishing second.
Aliquippa to compete at state track meet with teammate, critically injured in shooting, in thoughts
May 27, 2021
Aliquippa’s track team arrived Thursday in Shippensburg, a day ahead of the state championships, but the Quips made the trip with one fewer sprinter than they’d hoped.
PIAA might seek alternate site for softball championships at Penn State
May 26, 2021
The state softball championships are scheduled for next month at Penn State, but there’s a chance the PIAA will need to find an alternate site.
WPIAL reveals championship schedule for baseball finals
The WPIAL baseball finalists in Class 6A and 4A will play under the lights at Wild Things Park next week.
Bethel Park’s walk-off win caps fierce pitchers’ duel with West Allegheny
May 25, 2021
Bethel Park’s Zack Sackett stood in the first-base dugout at Matulevic Field and watched two of the WPIAL’s gutsiest pitchers duel for 41 outs Tuesday without allowing a run.
North Allegheny returns to WPIAL finals after 10-run win over Butler
North Allegheny’s Joe Manesiotis surely was a little surprised when Butler intentionally walked the batter ahead of him to load the bases.
Montour celebrates 1-run win over Quaker Valley in WPIAL 4A quarterfinals
May 24, 2021
With two runners on, no outs and trailing by a run, Montour’s Mason Sike was told to be ready to lay down a bunt.
Rain alters WPIAL baseball, softball playoff schedules Monday
Rain forced the WPIAL to revamp Monday’s playoff schedules for baseball and softball, moving some games to new sites and postponing others to Tuesday.
‘Revitalized’ Gary Goga hired as Keystone Oaks boys basketball coach
Boys basketball coach Gary Goga, who built Peters Township into a WPIAL championship program in his 15 seasons there, is ready for another challenge.
‘It was meant to be,’ says new Woodland Hills boys basketball coach Eugene Wilson
A few weeks after its coach resigned midseason, the Woodland Hills boys basketball team made a trip to Ringgold for a nonsection game this past winter.
Quick corrections lead North Allegheny’s Taylor to WPIAL triple jump title
May 22, 2021
There’s plenty about junior Dwayne Taylor that impresses North Allegheny’s track and field coaches: He’s 6-foot-5 with long limbs and the speed of a sprinter.
Sophomore’s clutch hit carries Bethel Park past Shaler into Class 5A baseball semifinals
May 21, 2021
Some might consider Bethel Park sophomore John Chalus the little brother of a Division I baseball recruit, but he certainly wasn’t overshadowed Friday.
‘Perfect timing’ leads Dave DeGregorio back to North Allegheny as boys basketball coach
May 20, 2021
When Dave DeGregorio resigned at North Allegheny five years ago to coach his sons, a part of him thought he might return someday, if the timing was right.
Fantastic 400 finish between Hampton’s Galuska, Butler’s Brown headlines WPIAL Class AAA meet
May 19, 2021
Hampton sprinter Gage Galuska threw his body forward at the finish line, tumbled into a somersault and stayed on the track waiting for his 400-meter time to show on the scoreboard.
WPIAL track and field championships: What to know for Wednesday’s meet
The WPIAL endured a season without track and field last spring, but the championships are back. Individual champions in Class AAA and AA will be crowned Wednesday at Slippery Rock University.
After adding 2-game series to regular season, what’s next for WPIAL baseball?
May 17, 2021
The WPIAL baseball committee’s philosophy is simple: The best team should win section titles and league championships, not the team with one incredibly dominant pitcher.
Mask policies for spectators will vary at WPIAL postseason events
Spectators will be asked to wear masks Wednesday at the WPIAL track and field championships at Slippery Rock University despite the recent change to the statewide mandate.
North Allegheny ready to rehire Dave DeGregorio as boys basketball coach
May 15, 2021
North Allegheny’s next boys basketball coach already knows the program well.
North Allegheny girls pleased with runner-up finish at WPIAL team championships
Only a handful of schools reach the WPIAL team track championships each year, but the meet has become almost an annual tradition for the North Allegheny girls.
WPIAL reveals brackets for 2021 baseball playoffs
After enduring a year with no baseball, the WPIAL playoffs are back.
WPIAL bracketology: Don Rebel, Chris Harlan take an early look at baseball playoff pairings
The real brackets for the 2021 WPIAL baseball playoff will be revealed at 3 p.m. Friday on TribLive HSSN.
Butler boys, girls dominate at WPIAL Class AAA team finals
May 12, 2021
As Butler runner C.J. Singleton neared the finish line, the junior wondered how close his nearest 800-meter challenger was, so he took a quick glance behind him.
WPIAL reveals updated postseason plans for spring sports playoffs
May 10, 2021
If covid-related cancellations leave section standings unsettled, the WPIAL will have its steering committees determine which teams make the playoffs this spring.
A year after high jumping at home, Beaver’s Emma Pavelek worried another season was doomed
May 9, 2021
Emma Pavelek had never been to a chiropractor before this past week and was skeptical one could help her painful foot. She’d been diagnosed with a sprain but after five weeks, her injury wasn’t getting any better.
Shady Side’s Melissa Riggins wins twice at Baldwin Invite despite facing ‘worst wind’
May 8, 2021
The weather app on Melissa Riggins’ smartphone misled her a little.
WPIAL softball rankings | May 8, 2021
Class 6A
WPIAL baseball rankings | May 8, 2021
Class 6A
North Allegheny’s Akindele among WPIAL’s top sprinters
When North Allegheny sprinter Lola Akindele broke the 60-second barrier in the 400 meters, she was elated.
North Journal notebook: North Allegheny’s Morningstar named Gatorade Player of the Year
North Allegheny senior Paige Morningstar was named the state’s Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year after leading the Tigers to a fourth consecutive PIAA title last fall.
West Mifflin senior, PIAA favorite Dontae Lewis sweeps hurdles at Baldwin Invitational
May 7, 2021
Some hurdlers have tunnel vision on the track, focused solely on their lane and uninterested in their competitors.
North Allegheny’s Paige Morningstar named state’s Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year
May 6, 2021
Six years after her sister won the award, North Allegheny senior Paige Morningstar was named the state’s Gatorade Pa. Volleyball Player of the Year.
WPIAL has big decisions to make this week about baseball, softball playoffs
May 4, 2021
Will higher-seeded baseball and softball teams host playoff games this spring or could the WPIAL use neutral sites as usual?
WPIAL rules 1 Birch brother eligible, other brother ineligible after hearing
May 3, 2021
The WPIAL handed Gateway transfers Brett and Brad Birch a good-news, bad-news scenario.
Ousted coach Eric Kasperowicz apologizes to Pine-Richland administrators in letter
In a letter asking to be rehired, ousted football coach Eric Kasperowicz apologized to Pine-Richland’s school board and administration for his “attitude and behavior” during a contentious late-March interview.
WPIAL sees 2 players make Class 6A boys basketball all-state team
May 1, 2021
Butler’s Devin Carney and Fox Chapel’s Eli Yofan earned all-state honors Saturday when the Pa. Sports Writers All-State Team for Class 6A boys basketball was announced.
WPIAL softball rankings | May 1, 2021
Class 6A
WPIAL baseball rankings | May 1, 2021
Class 6A
North Hills’ Robert Dickerson has aspirations of football/baseball career in college
As a two-sport star who hits home runs and scores touchdowns, North Hills’ Robert Dickerson hears the occasional Kyler Murray reference. Older generations go to Deion Sanders or Bo Jackson as their football-baseball icon.
4 WPIAL boys basketball players make Class 5A all-state team
April 30, 2021
Chartiers Valley senior Brayden Reynolds and Laurel Highlands sophomore Rodney Gallagher earned first-team honors when the Pa. Sports Writers All-State Team for Class 5A boys basketball was announced Friday.
Before becoming NFL Draft star, Kyle Pitts clashed with WPIAL champion in Hershey
April 29, 2021
If tight end Kyle Pitts is the first non-quarterback selected Thursday night in the NFL Draft, Gateway football coach Don Holl won’t be surprised.
4 WPIAL boys basketball players earn all-state honors in Class 4A
Lincoln Park senior Dakari Bradford and North Catholic senior Andrew Ammerman, whose teams clashed last month in the WPIAL finals, were among four WPIAL boys basketball players earning all-state honors Thursday in Class 4A.
Washington softball forfeits remaining games, hopes for better seasons ahead
Washington hopes to build up its softball program in years to come, athletic director Mike Bosnic said Thursday, but this spring’s season will end after only one game.
Serra Catholic hires Matt Bacco as girls basketball coach
Serra Catholic has a new girls basketball coach for the first time in years.
State’s all-time winningest boys basketball coach earns all-state honor in 3A
April 28, 2021
Weeks after winning a boys basketball state title, Loyalsock also dominated the all-state team for PIAA Class 3A.
Undefeated OLSH tops Class 2A boys basketball all-state team
April 27, 2021
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart’s perfect season just keeps getting a little better.
6 WPIAL players chosen for Class A all-state boys basketball team
April 26, 2021
Six weeks after Bishop Canevin’s Dom Elliot and Kevaughn Price shared a championship court with Rochester’s Devon Hemer and JD Azulay, the four WPIAL Class A finalists are together again.
Lizzy Groetsch, Aislin Malcolm among 20 WPIAL girls basketball players named all-state
North Allegheny’s Lizzy Groetsch and Chartiers Valley’s Aislin Malcolm each added another statewide honor to their resumes.
All-state boys basketball teams revealed this week starting with non-PIAA schools
April 25, 2021
The all-state boys basketball teams will be announced over a seven-day span starting today with players from non-PIAA member schools. In years past, all-state organizers added those athletes to the PIAA classification teams but split them into their own group this winter.
WPIAL Baseball Rankings: April 24, 2021
Class 6A
North Journal notebook: North Allegheny doubles team claims section title
After winning a section singles title earlier this month, North Allegheny’s Chase Davidson doubled his medal haul April 21 when he teamed up with Shomik Telang to win a Section 2-AAA doubles crown.
Seton LaSalle appeals football coaches’ suspensions to PIAA
April 23, 2021
Seton LaSalle has appealed to the PIAA to overturn discipline handed down by the WPIAL for recruiting violations.
Pine-Richland cites ‘pattern of hazing, intimidation’ in letter firing coach Eric Kasperowicz
April 22, 2021
Ousted football coach Eric Kasperowicz “expressed minimal concern for hazing or empathy for the students” during a 2½-hour interview with Pine-Richland administrators in late-March, according to a letter the school district sent him cutting ties.
Neil Walker hopes Pine-Richland avoids ‘huge black eye’ from football coach controversy
April 21, 2021
Retiring pro baseball player Neil Walker, one of Pine-Richland’s most famous alums, hopes the controversial ouster of the school’s football coach doesn’t become “a huge black eye” for the community.
North Allegheny tops Mt. Lebanon, celebrates back-to-back Penguins Cup titles
April 20, 2021
North Allegheny goalie Josh Bailey didn’t mince words Monday night. The second period, when he was peppered with 20 shots and the puck stayed trapped inside NA’s blue line, was bad.
WPIAL grants eligibility to pair of football players
April 19, 2021
The WPIAL granted eligibility to Central Catholic’s Jayden Thrift and McKeesport’s Jake Miller, two football players who switched schools this winter.
Fired football coach Eric Kasperowicz reaches out to Pine-Richland to ‘come to a resolution’
With students, parents and community members demanding Pine-Richland rehire Eric Kasperowicz, the ousted football coach has asked school administrators to meet with him and “come to a resolution quickly.”
Urged not to apply at Pine-Richland, coaches statewide pledge support for ousted coach Eric Kasperowicz
April 18, 2021
Dozens of high school football coaches statewide have used social media to announce their support for coach Eric Kasperowicz and his assistants, who were fired at Pine-Richland on Wednesday.
Trib HSSN Baseball Rankings: April 17, 2021
Class 6A
Ousted coach Eric Kasperowicz reapplies to lead Pine-Richland football team
April 16, 2021
Pine-Richland already has at least one applicant to coach the football team next fall, and it’s someone who knows the program very well.
Cowboys QB Ben DiNucci supports Eric Kasperowicz after coach’s surprise firing at Pine-Richland
Ben DiNucci lives 1,200 miles from Pine-Richland but was stunned when word reached him in Texas that his high school football coach had been fired.
Football coach Eric Kasperowicz: ‘No bullying or hazing took place’ at Pine-Richland
April 15, 2021
A day after being fired, former Pine-Richland football coach Eric Kasperowicz pushed back against any allegation of hazing or bullying in his program, while his assistants described a toxic relationship with the school’s administration.
WPIAL awards $1,000 scholarships to 20 scholar-athletes, cancels luncheon
The WPIAL/James Collins Scholar-Athlete Program luncheon was canceled again this spring because of the pandemic, but the $1,000 scholarships will be awarded as planned.
Pine-Richland fires football coach Eric Kasperowicz 5 months after winning state title
April 14, 2021
In the span of eight years, Pine-Richland football coach Eric Kasperowicz built the Rams into one of the WPIAL’s best programs with four WPIAL championships and two state titles.
WPIAL approves spring championship sites, adopts split schedule for individual track meet
The WPIAL individual track and field championships will be run midweek this spring and have a split schedule, with Class 2A starting first and 3A later in the day.
WPIAL rules Birch brothers ineligible after transfer from Jeannette to Gateway
Two high-profile transfers now are in limbo.
Butler’s Devin Carney adds scholarship offer from Duquesne basketball
April 13, 2021
If Butler’s Devin Carney wants to stay home for college, he now has another Division I option.
Pitt, Penn State offer Chartiers Valley’s Lamont Payne after pressure-packed sophomore year
April 12, 2021
On one side of the field, Chartiers Valley had a senior three-year starter at cornerback. On the other side was sophomore Lamont Payne.
WPIAL to finalize spring championship sites, plans return to familiar venues
The WPIAL will finalize its championship sites for spring sports when the board meets Wednesday.
PIAA basketball committee wants state semifinals on weekend, not weekday
April 11, 2021
The state basketball tournament might begin a few days earlier next winter, if the PIAA basketball committee gets its wish.
North Allegheny’s talented lineup, rotation aims to ‘prove something’
In a way, pitcher Kyle Demi personifies North Allegheny’s mindset this season. He’s a big right-hander with a fastball that can reach 90 mph, but most folks around the WPIAL haven’t seen him throw it.
Trib HSSN baseball rankings for April 10, 2021
Class 6A
PIAA won’t offer opinion on transgender legislation before reading proposal
April 9, 2021
The PIAA won’t offer an opinion on proposed legislation barring transgender athletes from girls sports before reading the bill, executive director Bob Lombardi said.
Moon’s Mia Cochran named state’s top girls cross country runner by Gatorade
April 8, 2021
Moon’s Mia Cochran was named as the state’s Gatorade Cross Country Player of the Year on Thursday, making her only the second WPIAL runner to win the award.
PIAA cuts state track championships to 1-day meets but won’t reduce qualifiers
April 7, 2021
The PIAA track and field championships are being condensed to one-day meets this spring, but they’ll include the same number of qualifiers as usual.
OLSH’s DiMichele, Spadafora named Trib HSSN Boys Basketball Players of the Year
April 6, 2021
Jake DiMichele and Dante Spadafora were the perfect combination this winter, but the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart basketball teammates weren’t always fast friends.
Large, diverse list of candidates seeks WPIAL board of directors seat
April 5, 2021
This year’s ballot for electing new WPIAL board members has the largest and most diverse list of candidates in recent memory, executive director Amy Scheuneman said.
Big 33 Football Classic down to 13 WPIAL players for May all-star game
April 4, 2021
The Big 33 Football Classic is down to 13 WPIAL athletes for this year’s game after a sixth player withdrew.
2021 Trib 10 Boys Basketball All-Stars
This year’s Trib 10 boys basketball all-star team could look a lot like next year’s team.
2021 Trib 10 Girls Basketball All-Stars
This year’s Trib 10 girls basketball all-star team has an impressive collection of medals.
Seton LaSalle coaches Mauro Monz, Jason Pinkston suspended 1 year by WPIAL
March 31, 2021
Seton LaSalle football coach Mauro Monz and assistant Jason Pinkston are suspended from coaching any PIAA-affiliated team for one year, the WPIAL announced Wednesday.
Seton LaSalle football coaches face possible suspension following WPIAL hearing
March 30, 2021
Administrators from four school districts raised recruiting allegations Tuesday against Seton LaSalle’s football coaches during a lengthy closed-door hearing with the WPIAL, a situation unprecedented in recent memory, WPIAL executive director Amy Scheuneman said.
Chartiers Valley held to 27 points in PIAA championship loss to Cardinal O’Hara
March 27, 2021
HERSHEY — On film, Cardinal O’Hara looked big, strong and physical to Chartiers Valley coach Tim McConnell, so his Colts weren’t surprised by what they ran into at Giant Center.
PIAA Class 5A girls basketball championship breakdown: Chartiers Valley vs. Cardinal O’Hara
PIAA Class 5A girls basketball championship
North Allegheny girls celebrate 1st PIAA title, top Spring-Ford in state finals
March 26, 2021
HERSHEY — North Allegheny’s Lizzy Groetsch and Paige Morningstar were together at Giant Center four years ago when the Tigers last reached the state finals, and they talked then about someday winning a title.
OLSH joins elite list as undefeated PIAA boys basketball champion
HERSHEY — For Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, this was the perfect ending.
Mohawk basketball seniors find ‘closure’ despite PIAA championship loss
March 25, 2021
HERSHEY — The PIAA eliminated its on-court medal ceremonies this winter, so Mohawk basketball coach Mike O’Lare awarded them in the team’s makeshift locker room.
Neshannock girls fall in PIAA basketball finals, plan return trip to Hershey
HERSHEY — Neshannock’s first visit to the state finals ended with silver medals and a runner-up trophy, but before the Lancers left Giant Center, they were already making plans for a return trip.
Constitution will play OLSH in state finals after negative covid tests
HERSHEY — The Our Lady of the Sacred Heart boys basketball team will have an opponent for the state championships.
PIAA favors full playoff brackets for spring sports ‘if possible’
March 24, 2021
If the PIAA gets its wish, spring sports will have full state playoff brackets this season rather than the smaller champions-only format used in the fall and winter.
Short-handed Upper St. Clair falls in state semifinals to Reading
March 23, 2021
ALTOONA — There was no short-handed win for Upper St. Clair this time, no sequel to the team’s six-man celebration from a few days ago.
WPIAL to investigate recruiting allegations against Seton LaSalle football
The WPIAL has scheduled a hearing to address recruiting allegations raised by other schools against Seton LaSalle’s football coaching staff.
Foul trouble dooms Lincoln Park in PIAA semifinal loss to Hickory
March 22, 2021
Twenty-eight times Lincoln Park was whistled for a foul Monday night, yet it wasn’t so much how they fouled but rather who.
Short-handed Upper St. Clair wins PIAA quarterfinal with 6 players, volunteer coach
March 20, 2021
Screenwriters might not turn the “Upper St. Clair Six” into a movie, but their improbable story has every element for a covid-era drama about high school basketball.
New Castle loses late lead, falls to Cathedral Prep in overtime
March 19, 2021
For New Castle, the fourth quarter ticked away too slowly and overtime went by too fast.
Winning basketball titles runs in Lincoln Park freshman Brandin Cummings’ family
Comparisons to older brother Nelly are harder to shake than any lockdown defender, and Lincoln Park freshman Brandin Cummings just added another item in common.
Dan DeRose makes ‘tough decision,’ resigns as North Allegheny boys basketball coach
March 17, 2021
Calling it “a very tough decision,” Dan DeRose resigned Wednesday night after one season as boys basketball coach at North Allegheny.
Covid-19 concerns won’t keep Upper St. Clair boys out of PIAA basketball playoffs
Upper St. Clair’s boys basketball team has at least six healthy players, so the Panthers will compete Saturday in the PIAA playoffs as scheduled.
Lincoln Park tops North Catholic, avenges last season’s WPIAL championship loss
March 15, 2021
Dakari Bradford never forgot the emotions he saw in Lincoln Park’s locker room last winter, especially the sadness from the seniors playing their final WPIAL championship.
Upper St. Clair boys basketball quarantines after covid case, state playoffs in question
Three days after winning a WPIAL title, Upper St. Clair’s boys basketball season could be in jeopardy.
WPIAL notebook: League won’t face financial loss from winter sports
The WPIAL lost around $28,000 by holding its swimming championships with no spectators, but the league expects to break even once all winter sport revenues are counted.
WPIAL Class 4A boys basketball championship breakdown: North Catholic vs. Lincoln Park
March 14, 2021
WPIAL Class 4A boys basketball championship
New Castle tops Chartiers Valley for record 14th WPIAL basketball title
March 13, 2021
New Castle’s Sheldon Cox wasn’t the senior who had everyone’s attention entering Saturday night. But by the time Cox threw down two dunks in the final seconds, all eyes were on him and his record-setting Red Hurricanes.
WPIAL Class 5A boys basketball championship breakdown: Chartiers Valley vs. New Castle
WPIAL Class 5A boys basketball championship
Upper St. Clair tops Pine-Richland, celebrates 1st WPIAL title since ’05
March 12, 2021
There were moments when Danny Holzer could’ve worried in the fourth quarter, probably should’ve been worried, but Upper St. Clair’s longtime coach insists he wasn’t.
WPIAL Class 6A boys basketball championship breakdown: Upper St. Clair vs. Pine-Richland
WPIAL Class 6A boys basketball championship
WPIAL Class A boys basketball championship breakdown: Bishop Canevin vs. Rochester
WPIAL Class A boys basketball championship
Lincoln Park bests Midland’s streak with 6th consecutive WPIAL finals appearance
March 11, 2021
Blue and gold banners hang in Lincoln Park’s gym to celebrate the great Midland teams from past decades but the new-era Leopards just one-upped their old-school counterparts.
New Castle tops Laurel Highlands, reaches 7th WPIAL finals in 10 years
March 10, 2021
Six times in the past decade already, New Castle had reached the WPIAL finals behind a frenzied press defense that’s become a hallmark of the program.
Allderdice boys excluded from City League basketball finals but season isn’t over
The City League boys basketball championship will move forward without Allderdice but the team’s season isn’t over.
Upper St. Clair finally solves Butler, earns 1st WPIAL finals appearance since ’05
March 9, 2021
Upper St. Clair lost twice to Butler in last year’s basketball playoffs, heart-wrenching losses that senior Luke Banbury recalls a little differently than his USC teammates.
Owen DeGregorio makes 7 3-pointers as North Catholic returns to WPIAL semifinals
March 8, 2021
North Catholic’s Owen DeGregorio took advantage of Monday’s mild weather to put up some shots with his dad on their outdoor hoop.
4 WPIAL players withdraw from Big 33 Football Classic
March 7, 2021
Four WPIAL football players picked for the Big 33 Football Classic won’t take part because of college obligations, organizers for the high school all-star game announced.
Mars scores 24 consecutive points in WPIAL 5A quarterfinal win over Trinity
March 6, 2021
Zac Schlegel and his Mars teammates were reluctant to see the second quarter clock reach zeroes Saturday.
North Allegheny, Peters Township will host WPIAL basketball championships
North Allegheny and Peters Township, two of the area’s larger high school gyms, are expected to host all 12 WPIAL basketball championship games.
Union confusion leads Imani Christian basketball team on ride to wrong school
Sixty miles separate the Union Area High School near New Castle from Union High School in Rimersburg, but the districts with matching names continue to cause trouble for bus drivers.
Devin Carney’s buzzer-beating 3 lifts Butler past Penn-Trafford in OT
March 5, 2021
Ten times Butler’s Devin Carney had taken a shot from behind the arc Friday night and nine of them had missed. In fact, a potential winner at the end of regulation bounced hard off the rim.
After exploring college options, WPIAL to keep basketball finals in high school gyms
With gathering limits increased statewide, the WPIAL looked into renting a college venue for its basketball championships, but decided to use high school gyms as originally planned.
Ellwood City earns validation, upsets Avonworth in WPIAL Class 3A playoffs
There was nothing invalid about Monday’s playoff win, a 52-point preliminary-round victory that officially ended Ellwood City’s decade-long postseason drought.
PIAA says spring athletes can shed masks outdoors, if physical distancing possible
March 3, 2021
Spring sports athletes and coaches can shed their masks when outdoors, as long as they maintain 6 feet of physical distance, according to new PIAA guidelines for covid-19.
Seneca Valley tops Mt. Lebanon without its coach, earns 1st playoff win since ’13
March 2, 2021
With about 30 seconds until half, Mt. Lebanon decided to hold for the final shot, but Seneca Valley wasn’t in a wait-and-see mood.
WPIAL basketball playoffs to see increase in fans, possibly larger venue for finals
March 1, 2021
There will be more fans in the stands at WPIAL basketball playoff games this week after Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration Monday raised gathering limits on indoor events.
Trib HSSN boys basketball rankings: Feb. 28, 2021
February 28, 2021
Final regular-season rankings
Trib HSSN girls basketball rankings: Feb. 28, 2021
Final regular-season rankings
Opponents try, and fail, to knock North Allegheny top scorer off his game
February 27, 2021
North Allegheny’s Connor Chi occasionally gets cross-checked behind the play or hit a little late by an opponent trying to intimidate him on the ice.
Upper St. Clair tops Chartiers Valley in battle of No. 1 overall seeds
February 26, 2021
This would’ve been a scrimmage most years, tucked between the WPIAL pairings meeting and the playoff openers, but Upper St. Clair and Chartiers Valley played Friday night with purpose.
WPIAL cancels 2 preliminary-round playoff basketball games
February 25, 2021
The WPIAL on Thursday cancelled two playoff basketball games after the Ambridge girls and Propel Braddock Hills boys withdrew from the postseason.
WPIAL takes no action against Mt. Lebanon basketball coach for objecting to official
Mt. Lebanon boys basketball coach Joe David testified in a WPIAL hearing Thursday that he was uncomfortable with one of the officials assigned to his game last week, but insisted he never threatened to take his team and leave.
Breaking down the 2021 WPIAL boys basketball playoffs
February 23, 2021
Here is a breakdown of the 2020-21 WPIAL boys basketball playoffs:
In seeding basketball brackets, WPIAL asks: What have you done lately?
When it came time to seed the basketball playoff brackets, the WPIAL asked: What have you done lately?
Controversial finish sees Butler defeat North Allegheny, avenge 2 earlier losses
North Allegheny ran undefeated through its boys basketball section twice, but this winter’s quirky schedule included a third time through, much to NA’s dismay.
WPIAL: Gyms must have capacity of 700 or greater to host basketball playoff games
February 22, 2021
Some top seeds in the WPIAL basketball playoffs could find themselves playing on their opponent’s home floor this winter.
Trib HSSN boys basketball rankings: Feb. 21, 2021
Class 6A
North Allegheny seniors earn redemption with WPIBL championship
A couple of pins cost North Allegheny’s boys bowling team a title two seasons ago, so the Tigers made certain this year’s championship match wasn’t as close.
Rodney Gallagher’s winner lifts Laurel Highlands over Thomas Jefferson
February 19, 2021
Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher already has accomplished more than most sophomores, but the Mustangs star added two more firsts to his list.
25 basketball teams won’t participate in WPIAL’s open postseason tournament
February 18, 2021
Derry’s girls basketball team earned its way into the WPIAL playoffs last winter, but the one-win Trojans won’t go back this year.
Big 33 Football Classic goes ‘full-speed ahead,’ announces roster with 19 WPIAL players
The weather will be perfect for the Big 33 Football Classic, predicts Garry Cathell, executive director of the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association.
Schools must certify mask exemptions in writing before PIAA playoffs, not WPIALs
February 17, 2021
High school athletes must wear a mask during PIAA postseason competition unless their school certifies in writing that they qualify for a medical exemption.
Lincoln Park tops Quaker Valley in battle for section lead, will rematch Thursday
February 16, 2021
Brandin Cummings gave Lincoln Park the lead with a gutsy 3-pointer in the closing minutes, made two clutch free throws in the final seconds and led his team in scoring for the third game in a row.
Obama Academy boys basketball halts activities after positive covid-19 test
The Obama Academy boys basketball team must shut down activities for 14 days after a player tested positive for covid-19, Pittsburgh Public Schools announced Tuesday.
WPIAL bracketology: Don Rebel, Chris Harlan take early look at boys basketball tournament
February 15, 2021
The WPIAL basketball playoffs will seem bigger than ever this winter since the league intends to hold an open tournament in each of the six classifications.
PIAA might require schools to certify mask-wearing exemptions in writing
With many high school sports teams competing maskless, the PIAA may require postseason participants to certify in writing that their athletes qualify for an exemption under the state mandate.
An early fall? PIAA planning committee opposes starting football season sooner
February 14, 2021
The PIAA doesn’t have a prognosticating groundhog, but after hearing from its strategic planning committee, it doesn’t look like fall sports will arrive any earlier next school year.
WPIAL bracketology: Don Rebel, Chris Harlan take early look at girls basketball tournament
The WPIAL basketball playoffs will seem bigger than ever this winter since the league intends to hold an open tournament in each of the six classifications.
Trib HSSN boys basketball rankings: Feb. 14, 2021
Class 6A
Aspiring photographer, North Hills swimmer Josh Bogniard seeks picture-perfect WPIALs
When North Hills senior swimmer Josh Bogniard isn’t in the water, he’s often taking photographs of some. Icy waterfalls, mossy streams and a duckweed covered pond appear on the aspiring photographer’s Instagram account.
Brayden Reynolds scores 42; No. 2 Chartiers Valley tops No. 1 New Castle
February 12, 2021
Chartiers Valley’s Brayden Reynolds says his Colts weren’t themselves last month when they hosted New Castle and maybe focused too much on the hype.
Central Catholic lineman Bralen Henderson ‘grinds’ path to Ohio commitment
February 10, 2021
In a normal recruiting year, Bralen Henderson would’ve visited with the dozens of college football coaches who arrive at Central Catholic looking for future players.
Allderdice tops Obama Academy in rematch of City League championship
After going weeks without shooting a basketball, City League scorers will need time to find their touch, predicted Allderdice boys coach Devin Crummie.
WPIAL football players among 30,000 cardboard cutouts in Super Bowl seats
February 7, 2021
WPIAL football fans might recognize some familiar faces in the Super Bowl crowd at Raymond James Stadium.
‘Sigh of relief’ as City League basketball teams ready for delayed season openers
Snow days are sometimes enjoyable but not when you’re a high school basketball player who has waited weeks for a game, and then winter weather extends that wait a few days longer.
New Castle no longer unbeaten, loses to Belle Vernon in semifinal rematch
February 6, 2021
Belle Vernon point guard Devin Whitlock is short in height, quick with the basketball and confident against a trapping defense.
WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Feb. 7, 2021
Class 6A
WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending Feb. 6, 2021
Class 6A
Football officials organize free online clinic to recruit more colleagues
February 4, 2021
If someone’s on the fence about becoming a high school football official, there’s an online clinic Saturday designed just for them.
Blackhawk transfer Lorenzo Jenkins ineligible for playoffs after WPIAL hearing
The WPIAL denied a postseason waiver request from Blackhawk transfer Lorenzo Jenkins, leaving him ineligible for the basketball playoffs this winter and for football playoffs next fall.
WPIAL will use high school venues for basketball, swimming championships
The WPIAL plans to use high school venues this winter for its basketball and swimming championships rather than Pitt’s facilities.
Western Pa.’s top 10 football prospects for the Class of 2022
February 3, 2021
The WPIAL and Pittsburgh City League saw almost a dozen football recruits from their 2021 class sign with Power 5 schools this winter. The ‘22 class will need some help in the coming months to match that number.
Sto-Rox scores 20 consecutive 2nd-half points in section win over Carlynton
February 2, 2021
The halftime clock had almost reached zeroes before Sto-Rox emerged from the boys basketball locker room. Coach Dwight Hines later laughed at the suggestion he was in there delivering the best motivational speech of his life.
Opt-in window opens for basketball teams wanting to enter WPIAL playoffs
February 1, 2021
The WPIAL wants to know: Is your basketball team in or out?
WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 31, 2021
Class 6A
North Allegheny’s Khalil Dinkins works to add snarl to his game
As a future Penn State football player, there’s no questioning Khalil Dinkins’ athleticism. But his basketball coach has told him there’s one flaw in his game: He’s too nice.
No. 3 Montour builds 15-point lead, hangs on for victory over Central Valley
January 29, 2021
Isayah Mosley and his Montour teammates held their breath in the final seconds of a 40-38 victory Friday night as host Central Valley missed at the buzzer.
Young North Catholic lineup wins battle of WPIAL champions over Mohawk
Ava Walker and Alayna Rocco are freshmen starters for North Catholic’s girls basketball team, and teammates Dacia Lewandowski and Tori Drevna are only sophomores.
PIAA moves state swimming, diving championships to high school venue
January 28, 2021
The state swimming championships are changing lanes.
PIAA might keep football championships in November, start season earlier
January 27, 2021
Should the state football championship remain in November, even if that requires an earlier start date or smaller playoffs?
Khalil Dinkins’ double-double helps North Allegheny top North Hills in overtime
January 26, 2021
As a future Penn State football player, there’s no questioning Khalil Dinkins’ athleticism. But his basketball coach has told him there’s one flaw in his game: He’s too nice.
WPIAL denies postseason eligibility for Chartiers Valley girls basketball player
January 25, 2021
The Chartiers Valley girls will be missing one of their top players when the WPIAL basketball playoffs arrive this winter.
Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame delays induction ceremony until 2022
January 24, 2021
The Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame has delayed its next induction ceremony until 2022.
Big 33 Football Classic’s Super Bowl streak extended for another year
The Big 33 Football Classic was canceled last spring but the game’s Super Bowl streak continues.
WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 23, 2021
Class 6A
Chartiers Valley’s state-record winning streak snapped at 64 games
The streak is over.
North Allegheny swimmers continue to ‘shoot for excellence’
Swimmers aren’t yet sure how many of them will qualify for the WPIAL championship meet but that’s just the latest twist in what’s been a challenging winter.
OLSH avenges last season’s only loss with mercy rule win over Aliquippa
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart waited more than a year for this chance to avenge its only loss from last season.
New Castle backs up No. 1 ranking with victory over No. 2 Chartiers Valley
January 19, 2021
New Castle joined a larger classification this winter but the results seem much the same.
Moon basketball’s Reilly Sunday commits to Duquesne
Moon point guard Reilly Sunday, who’s sidelined this basketball season with a knee injury, committed Tuesday to Duquesne.
63! Chartiers Valley girls break state basketball win streak record
January 18, 2021
Silver balloons hung in Chartiers Valley’s locker room after Monday’s girls basketball game, with some spelling out “yay!” and others “63.”
WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 16, 2021
Class 6A
Now healthy, Habib steps into new role for North Allegheny
Greg Habib’s junior season ended early last winter when a player fell into his leg at Seneca Valley’s gym, forced his knee inward and injured his medial collateral ligament.
Chartiers Valley girls quietly tie longest winning streak in state basketball history
There were a couple of high fives when the clock reached zeroes Friday night but nothing more than usual as Chartiers Valley wrapped up a 53-point section win over Moon.
Facing 1-game suspension, Woodland Hills boys basketball coach Matt Furjanic resigns
January 15, 2021
Facing a one-game suspension handed down by his school district, Woodland Hills boys basketball coach Matt Furjanic resigned instead.
Norwin investigates on-court incident between basketball coach, opposing player
January 14, 2021
The WPIAL won’t seek to discipline Norwin’s boys basketball coach for an on-court incident with a player since the school district has already addressed the issue.
Woodland Hills suspends boys basketball coach Matt Furjanic 1 game for social media post
Woodland Hills suspended boys basketball coach Matt Furjanic for one game in response to a social media post last week that criticized game officials.
WPIAL ‘publicly censures’ Woodland Hills basketball coach Matt Furjanic for tweet
January 13, 2021
Woodland Hills boys basketball coach Matt Furjanic tweets mostly about presidential politics to his 436 Twitter followers, but the WPIAL found one of his other posts more controversial.
Blistering 32-point quarter carries new-look North Allegheny past Seneca Valley
North Allegheny’s boys basketball team hasn’t reached triple digits in the past five seasons, which isn’t all that surprising since scoring 100 points is rare in the WPIAL.
Pittsburgh City League winter sports will start Jan. 25
January 11, 2021
City League sports teams can begin their winter seasons Jan. 25, two days before Pittsburgh Public Schools students are expected to resume in-person classes.
Damned if you do: Woodland Hills coach, WPIAL board to chat about Tweet
Woodland Hills boys basketball coach Matt Furjanic has a no cursing policy and violators run sprints at practice. Now, Furjanic might be the one running, although he disputes whether the word he uttered should count.
WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 10, 2021
Class 6A
Deep roster to play key role for North Hills boys basketball
North Hills boys basketball coach Buzz Gabos has plans for the 10th, 11th and maybe even 12th player on the team’s bench.
Lincoln Park caps unofficial tip-off tournament with win over Central Catholic
L.A. Pratt’s calf was cramping but he had a wide-open hoop ahead of him, so he waved off the timeout and finished a one-legged layup.
Mt. Lebanon’s strong 3rd quarter spoils Jeff Ackermann’s Baldwin debut
January 9, 2021
After practicing just four times since late November, Mt. Lebanon coach Joe David could only wonder what his basketball team might look like this season.
Return policy: Answering the big questions as WPIAL teams get back on the court
January 7, 2021
Worried? Skeptical? Angry?
Uniontown leaving WPIAL football for independent schedule
January 6, 2021
Uniontown is leaving WPIAL football for an independent schedule, a decision school administrators hope can spark a struggling program.
Gov. Wolf: Shutdown of high school sports will end Monday
December 30, 2020
After a three-week pause of interscholastic sports, it’s time to push “play.”
PIAA, WPIAL delay team wrestling championships
December 22, 2020
The PIAA remains committed to crowning team wrestling champions this winter, but for now it doesn’t know when or where.
PIAA relaxes preseason practice rule, anticipates restarting sports Jan. 4
Help has arrived for high school teams that fell behind schedule on their preseason practices.
5 Central Valley teammates voted all-state; Ameer Dudley named top player in 3A
Undefeated Central Valley was unmatched this season, a dominance that was rewarded in all-state voting Tuesday.
Beaver Falls trio leads 7 WPIAL players on Class 2A all-state football team
A month after winning a WPIAL football title, Beaver Falls teammates Josh Hough, Mitchell Myers and Tyler Jones have reason to celebrate again.
Jeannette’s Birch brothers among 7 WPIAL players named all-state in Class A
Jeannette brothers Brett and Brad Birch, who combined to lead the Jayhawks to a WPIAL title, are together again.
WPIAL adopts ‘open tournament’ for basketball playoffs allowing all teams to participate
December 21, 2020
WPIAL basketball teams can forget about playoff scenarios this winter.
Subsection wrestling tournaments among ideas WPIAL board to consider
December 20, 2020
The WPIAL wrestling committee wants subsection tournaments added to the individual postseason schedule this winter as the league adjusts to covid-19 restrictions.
PIAA will consider relaxing 15-practice requirement for winter sports teams
December 18, 2020
Will the PIAA let athletes skip practice? Some coaches hope so.
North Catholic sweeps MVP awards on Allegheny 7 all-conference football team
December 17, 2020
Conference champion North Catholic was rewarded with nine first-team spots on the all-Allegheny Seven football team, and three Trojans earned individual awards in a vote of coaches.
WPIAL finalists Jeannette, Clairton lead all-Eastern Conference football team
WPIAL Class A finalists Jeannette and Clairton combined to earn 19 first-team spots on the all-Eastern Conference football team in a vote of coaches.
WPIAL’s 2021 football recruits make commitments official by signing early
December 16, 2020
For the fourth year, the NCAA allowed college football recruits to sign early, making their commitments official in mid December rather than early February.
WPIAL champion coach brings spark to North Allegheny boys basketball
December 13, 2020
Matt McDonough and Robby Jones knew there would be some wide eyes in the gym, so they offered words of advice to their North Allegheny teammates about new basketball coach Dan DeRose.
WPIAL teams in action Friday night savor the moment, worry about what’s next
December 12, 2020
In all of his years as the Mars boys basketball coach, Rob Carmody has never celebrated an undefeated season.
PIAA doesn’t anticipate ‘pause’ becoming lengthy shutdown
December 11, 2020
PIAA executive director Bob Lombardi said he doesn’t believe this “pause” of interscholastic sports will drag on for months like the shutdown last spring.
Gov. Wolf shuts down interscholastic, recreational sports until Jan. 4
December 10, 2020
With covid-19 cases increasing statewide, Gov. Tom Wolf “paused” interscholastic and recreational sports Thursday, one day before high school teams were scheduled to start their winter schedules.
PIAA moves forward with winter sports despite pleas from school administrators
December 9, 2020
The PIAA will let winter sports start Friday as scheduled over pleas from school administrators asking to delay as covid-19 cases rise.
Trib HSSN 2020-21 WPIAL Class 3A boys basketball preseason breakdown
December 8, 2020
This will surely be a boys basketball season like no other.
Trib HSSN 2020-21 WPIAL Class 4A boys basketball preseason breakdown
December 7, 2020
This will surely be a boys basketball season like no other.
School districts’ masks policies could impact WPIAL competitions
“Mask or no mask” has become a WPIAL dilemma.
Undefeated state champions lead Trib 25 football all-stars
December 6, 2020
Two WPIAL teams went unbeaten from start to finish, remarkable seasons that included lopsided wins, running clocks and record-setting stats.
North Allegheny looking to again contend for PIHL Penguins Cup title
December 5, 2020
The PIHL shut down its playoffs before reaching the finals last season, so North Allegheny coach Mike Bagnato told his players to consider themselves the reigning champions.
Shenango, Rochester top all-conference selections for Big 7 football team
December 4, 2020
Shenango and Rochester tied atop the Big Seven standings and had five players apiece earn first-team all-conference honors in the WPIAL Class A conference.
California leads Tri-County South with 9 all-conference football players
California running back Jaeden Zuzak, the WPIAL’s third-leading rusher this season, was among 45 players named all-conference in the Class A Tri-County South.
10 Apollo-Ridge players earn 1st-team honors in Allegheny Conference
Apollo-Ridge running back Logan Harmon and lineman Greg Klingensmith were among 10 Vikings who earned first-team all-conference honors in the Class 2A Allegheny.
Beaver Falls’ Josh Hough, Laurel’s Mitch Miles earn top conference honors in MAC
WPIAL champion Beaver Falls earned seven first-team spots on the Midwestern all-conference team led by senior Josh Hough, who was named offensive player of the year.
McGuffey quarterback, lineman, coach earn all-conference awards in Century
McGuffey quarterback Rocco Falosk and lineman Aiden Brookman each earned individual conference honors after leading the Highlanders to the Century title.
Sto-Rox, Western Beaver lead Three Rivers all-conference football team
December 3, 2020
Sto-Rox and Western Beaver, which tied atop the Class 2A Three Rivers standings, led the all-conference voting with six first-team players.
Pittsburgh Public Schools postpones City League winter sports until January
Pittsburgh Public Schools has delayed the start of winter sports in the City League until at least January.
Elizabeth Forward leads Interstate all-conference vote with 8 first-team picks
Elizabeth Forward celebrated the second undefeated regular season in school history, an achievement that was rewarded in the all-conference voting.
Central Valley sweeps individual awards on Northwestern 6 all-conference team
December 2, 2020
Much like during the season, Central Valley again stood atop the Northwestern Six, this time in the all-conference voting.
Chartiers Valley basketball’s Aislin Malcolm commits to Pitt
Chartiers Valley junior Aislin Malcolm already has two wins on her future home court.
Beaver Falls football rallies around trainer touched by coronavirus tragedy
As an athletic trainer for high school sports teams, Dan Summers made it his responsibility to keep Beaver Falls football players safe from coronavirus. Hand sanitizer was taped to the back of his golf cart, and he used a water sprayer to cool athletes from a safe distance during practice.
7 players named all-conference for both offense, defense on Big 8 football team
December 1, 2020
Belle Vernon’s Devin Whitlock and McKeesport’s Colin Lyons were among seven players who earned first-team all-conference honors on both sides of the football in the Class 4A Big Eight.
Aliquippa, Chartiers Valley lead all-conference football team in Parkway
Aliquippa’s Vernon Redd and Chartiers Valley’s Anthony Collura earned all-conference honors on both sides of the football in the Class 4A Parkway.
Plum earns 10 all-conference picks after undefeated record in Greater Allegheny
Plum celebrated its first undefeated regular season since 1977, an accomplishment that was rewarded in the all-conference voting by Greater Allegheny coaches.
PIAA savors fall season completed against all odds
November 30, 2020
There was cause to celebrate, but PIAA executive director Bob Lombardi probably didn’t spike the football or exchange high-fives after the state championships finished Saturday night.
Penn-Trafford leads all-conference picks on Big East football team
Penn-Trafford quarterback Ethan Carr was among 10 teammates who earned first-team all-conference honors, and Warriors coach John Ruane earned Coach of the Year honors in the Class 5A Big East this season.
Central Catholic leads WPIAL Class 6A all-conference football team
WPIAL champion Central Catholic had eight players earn first-team all-conference honors in Class 6A, including running back Eddy Tillman, who led the largest classification in rushing.
Pine-Richland earns 12 all-conference spots on Northeast football team
A dozen Pine-Richland players earned first-team all-conference honors in the Class 5A Northeast, including the record-setting combination of quarterback Cole Spencer and receiver Eli Jochem.
Peters Township tops Allegheny 6 all-conference football team
Peters Township reached the WPIAL finals for the second year in a row and was rewarded with eight first-team spots on the Allegheny Six all-conference team.
Thomas Jefferson defends title, captures 5th PIAA football championship
November 28, 2020
HERSHEY — Style points aren’t important to Thomas Jefferson’s football team, or else the Jaguars coaching staff wouldn’t be wearing shorts in 40-degree weather.
PIAA Class 4A championship breakdown: Thomas Jefferson vs. Jersey Shore
Thomas Jefferson vs. Jersey Shore
Pine-Richland routs Cathedral Prep to claim PIAA Class 5A title
November 27, 2020
HERSHEY — Luke Miller was a Pine-Richland waterboy four years ago when the Rams last celebrated a state football championship at Hersheypark Stadium.
Central Valley caps undefeated season with PIAA Class 3A championship
HERSHEY — The second-half clock usually moves lightning quick for Central Valley games, but this time the Warriors insisted it felt excruciatingly slow.
5 things to watch at the PIAA football championships
With a laugh, Cathedral Prep coach Mike Mischler brags that his defense hasn’t given up a point in weeks.
PIAA Class 5A football championship breakdown: Pine-Richland vs. Cathedral Prep
November 26, 2020
Pine-Richland vs. Cathedral Prep
PIAA championship ‘final chapter’ for record-setting Pine-Richland seniors
Cole Spencer has won more games than any quarterback in Pine-Richland history, and Eli Jochem owns all-time receiving records for catches and yards.
Few tickets. No locker rooms. Covid-19 alters football team plans for PIAA championships
November 25, 2020
Central Valley’s football players will eat Thanksgiving dinner at the school, enjoying food served only by their coaches, before the team boards its buses to Hershey.
Thomas Jefferson doesn’t look back while chasing consecutive PIAA Class 4A titles
November 24, 2020
Thomas Jefferson likes to celebrate its championship tradition, but this year’s football team has grown a little tired of talking about last year’s accomplishments.
PIAA drastically cuts football championship tickets to meet Gov. Wolf’s order
State championship football teams will receive 386 tickets apiece from the PIAA for this weekend’s games, far fewer than originally planned.
PIAA puts football ticket sales on hold after governor tightens gathering limits
November 23, 2020
Ticket sales are on hold for the PIAA football championships after Gov. Tom Wolf announced new limits on gathering sizes.
Pine-Richland headed to Hershey after wild win over Governor Mifflin
November 21, 2020
HOLLIDAYSBURG — “It was over” when Pine-Richland stumbled off the bus and let Governor Mifflin score the first three touchdowns.
Pine-Richland’s stout run defense faces star tailback in PIAA 5A semifinals
Here’s what makes Pine-Richland’s semifinal opponent dangerous:
Defending champion Thomas Jefferson routs Oil City, returns to PIAA 4A final
November 20, 2020
Thomas Jefferson had the football 10 times Friday night and scored nine touchdowns, an almost-perfect performance that has the Jaguars headed back to Hershey.
Slowing Wilmington’s running game key for Beaver Falls in PIAA 2A semifinal
November 19, 2020
Studying film of Wilmington’s offensive line made Beaver Falls coach Nick Nardone think back to a Week 2 matchup with Laurel.
Seton LaSalle hires Mauro Monz as football coach
Seton LaSalle reached into its past to find its future football coach.
PIAA urges winter sports teams to ‘set the foundation’ by starting practice Friday
November 18, 2020
The PIAA is encouraging winter sports teams to “set the foundation” by starting preseason practice Friday, if possible.
Individual schools must decide if athletes wear masks for competition, PIAA says
Could wearing a mask during a football game or soccer match be considered an unsafe condition?
WPIAL bans Peters Township band after investigating ‘blackface’ allegations
November 17, 2020
The Peters Township marching band is prohibited from performing at any WPIAL event until the school district submits a plan to “eradicate the social and racial insensitivity displayed by the marching band and its director/supervisors,” the WPIAL announced Tuesday.
Central Valley’s Ameer Dudley chooses Ivy League football, ‘best education’
Three days after winning a WPIAL championship, Central Valley quarterback Ameer Dudley had more reason to celebrate.
WPIAL considers changes to swimming championships, other winter sports
November 16, 2020
The WPIAL might hold its swimming and basketball championships somewhere other than Pitt’s facilities this winter. Of course, that’s assuming there are winter sports championships.
Thomas Jefferson stops Aliquippa in OT in WPIAL finals dream matchup
November 14, 2020
If there was any uncertainty on Thomas Jefferson’s sideline, it was about the high school rules for overtime.
North Allegheny runners elevate their game, sweep PIAA cross country titles
There’s an old theory that Western Pennsylvania cross country runners are better on hilly courses while their counterparts from the east thrive on fast, flat stretches.
Beaver Falls’ big backs will test Sto-Rox in WPIAL Class 2A final
Beaver Falls could use multiple receivers, spread the field and throw the football in Saturday’s WPIAL championship.
Aliquippa brings ‘massive’ line into Class 4A final against Thomas Jefferson
When Thomas Jefferson’s Bill Cherpak talks about Aliquippa’s linemen, he doesn’t compare them with any group he coached to a WPIAL title.
WPIAL Class 4A football championship breakdown: Aliquippa vs. Thomas Jefferson
WPIAL Class 4A football championship
Central Valley claims WPIAL title with yet another dominant performance
November 13, 2020
Call it a mercy mission.
Trib HSSN’s high school football championships primer
The WPIAL will host four football championship games Saturday after holding the Class 3A final Friday night. The Pittsburgh City League also will contest its championship game Saturday afternoon.
Central Catholic football forfeits PIAA quarterfinal over covid-19 concerns
Central Catholic’s run in the state football playoffs is over before it started.
WPIAL Class 2A football championship breakdown: Beaver Falls vs. Sto-Rox
November 12, 2020
WPIAL Class 2A football championship
Central Valley quarterback Ameer Dudley sets commitment date
November 8, 2020
Central Valley quarterback Ameer Dudley has a big game and a big decision ahead.
PIAA announces sites, times for football state semifinals
Central Catholic’s first opponent in the state playoffs will have a home-field advantage.
5 things we learned: Central Catholic coach Terry Totten climbs list with 6th WPIAL title
Only three football coaches have won more WPIAL titles than Central Catholic’s Terry Totten, but he hasn’t spent any time contemplating his place in league history.
Campus visit convinces Gateway’s Derrick Davis to pick LSU
November 7, 2020
Derrick Davis visited Louisiana around the age of 8 for a youth track meet. He finished 17th in the country in the 100-meter dash, an early glimpse of the athleticism that has made him a coveted college football recruit.
Central Catholic tops North Allegheny, repeats as WPIAL Class 6A champion
November 6, 2020
Eddy Tillman scored three rushing touchdowns and Central Catholic’s defense was dominant in the second half Friday night, a familiar combination for the Vikings in recent years.
North Allegheny cross country teams set for unique PIAA championship race
In a typical cross country meet, runners can see the competition ahead of them or hear their footsteps approaching from behind.
5 things to watch: WPIAL 6A finalists linked through their coaches
A chain connects Central Catholic and North Allegheny, but that’s not the only link between the two football teams.
WPIAL Class 6A football finals breakdown: North Allegheny vs. Central Catholic
WPIAL Class 6A football championship
North Allegheny, Central Catholic doubted if anyone would celebrate WPIAL 6A title
Seven times, North Allegheny coach Art Walker has taken a football team to the WPIAL finals. Central Catholic’s Terry Totten has the Vikings in the championship game for the eighth time.
WPIAL will start winter sports on time
November 4, 2020
With the first practices only weeks away, the WPIAL won’t make any changes to the winter sports schedule after receiving mixed feedback from schools.
5 things we learned in opening round of WPIAL football playoffs
October 31, 2020
Sto-Rox’s coach LaRoi Johnson has a bundle of 2-point plays he will call in any situation, but with Friday’s game on the line, he summoned his sophomore kicker.
North Allegheny, North Hills set to host WPIAL football finals
The WPIAL football finals are moving from the North Shore to the North Hills.
Dominant Central Catholic defense shuts out Mt. Lebanon, returns to WPIAL finals
October 30, 2020
Like old west prospectors searching for gold, defensive lineman Bralen Henderson and his Central Catholic teammates spent this fall talking about nuggets.
What to watch in Week 8: Small-school Aliquippa enters 4A playoffs as top seed
The No. 1 seed in WPIAL Class 4A football is one of the smallest schools in the WPIAL.
Central Catholic stands in way of Mt. Lebanon’s 1st WPIAL final since 2000
Mt. Lebanon’s motto this season is simply: Why not us?
PIAA approves covid-19 guidelines for winter, remains ‘cautiously optimistic’
October 29, 2020
PIAA basketball teams should limit the number of individuals on their bench to maintain a social distance of six feet or more when possible.
Pay to play? PIAA board discusses fee for state playoff qualifiers
October 28, 2020
The PIAA might someday charge schools a fee to compete in the state playoffs, creating an alternate source of income as the coronavirus pandemic batters its budget.
PIAA gives teams home-field advantage in state playoffs
Some WPIAL teams will have a home-field advantage in the state playoffs.
WPIAL football committee’s choices leave ‘sour taste’ for some coaches
October 25, 2020
After Avonworth’s regular-season finale was canceled because of coronavirus concerns, football coach Duke Johncour told his players to start preparing for any number of playoff scenarios.
5 things we learned in Week 7: Two leading QBs questionable for WPIAL playoff openers
October 24, 2020
Two of the WPIAL’s top quarterbacks are questionable to play as their teams approach the playoffs.
Breaking down the 2020 WPIAL football playoffs
Here’s a class-by-class breakdown of the WPIAL football playoff brackets:
WPIAL reveals 2020 football playoff brackets
The WPIAL promised its football teams weeks ago that if they canceled games for covid-19, those decisions wouldn’t hurt their qualifying chances come playoff time.
WPIAL football rankings for Week 7
Class 6A
WPIAL bracketology: Chris Harlan, Don Rebel make final predictions for football pairings
This was a football season unlike any other.
Mt. Lebanon tops Seneca Valley with blocked extra point in overtime
October 23, 2020
With its playoff hopes in jeopardy, Mt. Lebanon would’ve gone for two in overtime Friday night, sticking with coach Bob Palko’s win-or-go-home reputation.
Home field in playoffs likely at stake as Mt. Lebanon visits Seneca Valley
If Mt. Lebanon wins Friday’s regular-season finale at Seneca Valley, the Blue Devils will likely receive one of the top two seeds in the WPIAL Class 6A playoffs.
Avonworth cancels Friday football game, Central Valley finds new opponent
October 22, 2020
Avonworth canceled Friday night’s football game over covid-related concerns, Central Valley athletic director Sam Cercone said Thursday.
North Allegheny’s Khalil Dinkins commits to Penn State
October 21, 2020
Video conference calls replaced many of the in-school recruiting visits and campus tours canceled during the pandemic.
5 things we learned in Week 6: WPIAL linemen can score touchdowns too
October 17, 2020
Could there be a quarterback controversy brewing at Pine-Richland?
WPIAL football rankings for Week 6
Class 6A
Covid-19 shutdown forces defending champion North Allegheny girls to turn focus to playoffs
As a defending WPIAL champion, no one would’ve blamed North Allegheny’s girls soccer team for glancing ahead to the playoffs.
Sto-Rox forces 7 turnovers, lets Josh Jenkins shine in victory over Western Beaver
October 16, 2020
Sto-Rox’s Josh Jenkins is a little like Taysom Hill of the New Orleans Saints, says coach LaRoi Johnson. Or, if you want an old-school reference closer to McKees Rocks, he suggests Kordell Stewart.
5 things to watch in Week 6: Some WPIAL conferences may crown no champion
Some WPIAL football conferences may have no champion this season.
Explosive Sto-Rox offense, Western Beaver’s big-play defense share Week 6 limelight
The lights above Sto-Rox’s football field aren’t new, but they might feel a little brighter this week.
WPIAL reveals postseason plans, awards home games to higher seeds
October 14, 2020
If playoff qualifiers can’t be determined from the standings, the WPIAL steering committee for each sport will decide who makes the postseason this fall.
Baldwin, Seneca Valley delay football game to Saturday
Baldwin and Seneca Valley have delayed this week’s football game to Saturday.
PIAA flexibility lets Blackhawk, New Castle reschedule football game Oct. 30
Blackhawk and New Castle rescheduled their postponed football game for Oct. 30, the first week of the WPIAL playoffs, taking advantage of a PIAA decision to let teams extend the regular season.
5 things we learned in WPIAL Week 5
How will the WPIAL decide which football teams make the playoffs since covid-19 cancellations made the standings unbalanced?
After strong section season, North Allegheny runners prepare for championship meets
When North Allegheny’s runners walked to the starting line wearing masks for their early-September scrimmage, coach John Neff wasn’t sure what to expect from cross country season under covid-19 conditions.
Small-school Aliquippa shows big-play ability in victory over Chartiers Valley
October 9, 2020
Aliquippa is a small school known for its big plays.
Covid-19 case forces New Castle to shut down football activities for 2 weeks
New Castle is shutting down its football program for two weeks after a varsity player tested positive for coronavirus, costing the Red Hurricanes at least two games, athletic director Sam Flora said Friday.
5 things to watch in Week 5: Gateway returns to ‘normal’
After a two-week coronavirus hiatus, Gateway’s football team is getting back to normal. Or as close to normal as possible in a week that starts on Wednesday and ends with a game Sunday night.
Aliquippa, Chartiers Valley follow different routes to Parkway clash in Class 4A
October 8, 2020
Anthony Collura heard stories about the horse, the rider and the flaming spear that arrives at Aliquippa football games, but the Chartiers Valley senior wasn’t sure they were true.
PIAA tweaks fall playoff brackets, cross country qualifiers for state championship
October 7, 2020
The PIAA made changes to its fall postseason plans Wednesday including a move that lets more WPIAL runners into the state cross country championships.
PIAA readies covid-19 guidelines for winter, intends to start seasons as scheduled
As fall sports approach the postseason, the PIAA is turning its attention to winter.
New attendance limits remove some stress for WPIAL schools
October 6, 2020
High school administrators across the PIAA were verifying the number of seats in their stadiums and gymnasiums Tuesday after Gov. Tom Wolf eased limits on gathering sizes.
2 WPIAL teams earn national recognition from High School Football America
October 5, 2020
Two WPIAL football teams are earning national attention.
Gateway, Penn-Trafford choose Sunday night kickoff for football game
Sunday night football is coming to the WPIAL.
10 members of WPIAL Diversity & Inclusion Council bring varied experiences
When Loran Cooley met the other individuals chosen for the first WPIAL Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council, he noticed a long list of doctorates.
4 WPIAL football teams maintain long conference streaks as Penn Hills’ ends
October 4, 2020
One of WPIAL football’s longest active conference winning streaks ended Saturday, leaving four double-digit streaks intact.
5 things we learned in Week 4: Zero tolerance works for Elizabeth Forward
October 3, 2020
If the other team doesn’t score, it can’t win.
WPIAL Football Rankings for Week 4
Here’s a look at this week’s WPIAL football rankings:
Multiple-QB approach working for North Allegheny
The Friday night started with Tanner Potts taking the first snap for North Allegheny’s offense. Ryan Treser handled the second snap, and soon Greg Phillips was behind center for the Tigers.
Gannon Carothers’ versatility helps No. 2 Central Catholic defeat No. 3 Seneca Valley
October 2, 2020
Gannon Carothers’ coaches say the junior plays five positions for Central Catholic, a versatility that seemed invaluable Friday night.
Gov. Wolf: Spectator situation ‘confusing’ for schools, no updated guidance yet
The gathering limits ruled unconstitutional two weeks ago are back in place statewide, leaving some high school athletic directors to ask: Now what?
Spectators again restricted at high school sports but Gov. Wolf says ‘stay tuned’
October 1, 2020
North Allegheny will have a socially distant student section at Friday’s football game, and Norwin is moving forward with its homecoming festivities as planned.
Kiski Area running back Kenneth Blake commits to Albany
September 30, 2020
Kiski Area’s Kenneth Blake will play college football in New York for a team with Western Pennsylvania connections.
Clairton cancels Week 4 football game with Bishop Canevin
Clairton football practices are shut down until next week over covid-19 concerns and Saturday’s game against Bishop Canevin was canceled, the school announced Wednesday night.
5 things we learned in Week 3: Drop in classification lifts WPIAL teams to 3-0 starts
September 26, 2020
After years battling as one of the smallest WPIAL schools in Class 5A football, Chartiers Valley this season became one of the largest in 4A — a move that’s had an immediate impact.
WPIAL Football Rankings for Week 3
Class 6A
Young North Hills boys soccer team looking to build
With almost two dozen sophomores and freshmen on the roster, North Hills boys soccer coach Jared Steigerwald has focused this fall on teaching fundamentals.
North Allegheny answers questions with victory over top-ranked Central Catholic
September 25, 2020
North Allegheny’s Khalil Dinkins knew there were questions about his untested football team entering Friday’s game with rival Central Catholic.
5 things to watch in Week 3: WPIAL No. 1 vs. No. 2 in largest classifications
It’s one vs. two, twice.
Central Catholic’s Eddy Tillman gets home-field advantage vs. North Allegheny
September 24, 2020
Central Catholic’s football team doesn’t have a home field, but running back Eddy Tillman will be close to home Friday night.
WPIAL football playoffs will have 8-team brackets in most classifications
WPIAL football teams can start counting their Gardner Points now, because some will need them to break ties in about five weeks.
PIAA adopts slimmed-down state playoff brackets for fall sports
September 23, 2020
The state playoffs are now a win-and-get-in scenario.
Gov. Wolf’s veto of House Bill 2787 stands as state House override falls short
To the dismay of many high school sports fans, Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of House Bill 2787 will stand.
WPIAL schools start allowing more spectators as governor’s limits become voluntary
September 22, 2020
Gov. Tom Wolf would prefer schools adhere to his gathering limits at sports events, but acknowledged Tuesday they’re not legally binding “at least for the moment.”
WPIAL chooses alternate site for cross country championships
September 21, 2020
Cross country runners who competed last week in the Red, White and Blue Classic got an early look at the WPIAL championship course.
Gov. Wolf vetoes House Bill 2787, leaving high school sports spectators in limbo
Gov. Tom Wolf followed through on his promise Monday and vetoed legislation that would have let school districts set their own attendance limits for sports.
5 things we learned in Week 2 of high school football
September 19, 2020
With Friday night’s win over Mt. Lebanon, a team Canon-McMillan hadn’t defeated in 12 years, the Big Macs bolstered their playoff chances.
WPIAL football rankings for Week 2
Ranking, record and previous week’s ranking:
Under new leadership, North Hills girls soccer optimistic for success
Rick Kabbert was leery he’d face some skepticism.
Top-ranked Pine-Richland wastes no time in victory over No. 4 Upper St. Clair
Pine-Richland quarterback Cole Spencer had the football in his hands so often Friday night that he felt like he’d left a half-dozen touchdowns on the field.
Wolf administration asks schools to voluntarily enforce gathering limits
September 18, 2020
The updated guidance for high school sports and spectators promised by Gov. Tom Wolf was a no-show Friday.
5 things to watch in Week 2: Seneca Valley among 7 teams ready for delayed openers
Tired of making each other black and blue, Seneca Valley’s football players want to hit somebody not wearing blue and black.
Baldwin cancels 2 football games after coach tests positive for covid-19
September 17, 2020
Baldwin shut down all football activities for at least 14 days after a member of the coaching staff tested positive for covid-19, the school announced Thursday.
Attendance limits force Neshannock football mother to experience ‘worst fear’ from afar
Landon Shaffer’s parents were allotted one ticket for his high school football game, so his mother resorted to watching a video stream on her cell phone.
West Greene-California football game postponed over covid-19 concerns
September 16, 2020
Covid-19 concerns caused West Greene to postpone Friday’s football game against California.
Gov. Wolf: Schools will receive updated guidance on sports spectators this week
The state Department of Education will release updated guidance this week regarding spectators at interscholastic sporting events, Gov. Tom Wolf said Wednesday.
State lawmakers urge Gov. Wolf to sign bill, let schools set spectator limits for sports
A bipartisan group of state lawmakers gathered Wednesday and urged Gov. Tom Wolf to sign House Bill 2787, legislation that lets individual schools set spectator limits for sports.